보관방법에 따른 칫솔의 미생물 오염의 비교

Comparison of Microbial Contamination of Toothbrushes According to the Storage Method

We examined the degree of microbial contamination of toothbrushes according to the storage method of toothbrush and used time. Microbial numbers at toothbrushes with fine bristles were higher than those at toothbrushes with typical bristles. It showed the toothbrushes with fine bristles contaminated by bacteria those of the toothbrushes with typical bristles. In all case of keeping in a UV sterilizer, bateria on toothbrushes was not detected, in all case of keeping in a cool and shady place like bathroom, microbial numbers on toothbrushes were 8.7×10 CFU/㎖ at the first day, 3.2×10 2 CFU/㎖ at the fourth day and 1.217×10 CFU/㎖ at the seventh day, and in all case of keeping in a plastic tub, were 1.273×10 CFU/㎖ at the first day, 8.937×10 CFU/㎖ at fourth day and 3.585×10 CFU/㎖ at seventh day. Keeping in a plastic tub is the way to increase microbial contamination of toothbrushes (p<0.05), and microbial numbers of keeping in a cool and shady place and a plastic tub increased significantly according to the used time (p<0.05). Based on the results, the most basic and essential way to prevent infectious diseases mediated by a toothbrush is a proper storage method and a regular replacement of toothbrush, toothbrush with fine bristles should be often replaced for prevention of microbial contamination.