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Microbial Contamination of Different Toothbrush Types Stored in Bathrooms and Rooms in Adolescents

8. November 2026 aktualisiert von: Özgür Doğan, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University

Microbial Contamination of Silver Nanoparticle, Bamboo Charcoal and Standard Toothbrushes Stored in Bathroom Versus Room Environments: A Randomized Clinical Study in Adolescents

This randomized clinical study aimed to compare microbial contamination of three different toothbrush types (standard plastic, silver nanoparticle, and bamboo charcoal) and to investigate whether storing toothbrushes in a bathroom or a room outside the bathroom affects microbial contamination.

The study included 72 healthy adolescents aged 11-18 years who were undergoing removable orthodontic appliance treatment. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three toothbrush groups and two storage conditions (bathroom or room). All participants received standardized oral hygiene instructions and used their assigned toothbrushes twice daily for one month.

After one month, the toothbrushes were collected and examined for the presence of three microorganisms: *Streptococcus mutans*, *Lactobacillus* spp., and *Candida albicans*. In addition, plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, and bleeding on probing were assessed at baseline and after one month.

The study was designed to determine whether toothbrushes marketed as having antimicrobial properties and different storage environments influence microbial contamination and short-term periodontal health.

Studienübersicht

Status

Abgeschlossen

Bedingungen

Intervention / Behandlung

Detaillierte Beschreibung

This randomized, parallel-group clinical study was conducted at Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Türkiye, between March 2021 and July 2022. The study investigated the effects of toothbrush type and storage environment on microbial contamination under routine home-use conditions.

Participants were randomly allocated to three toothbrush groups: standard plastic (Colgate Extra Clean), silver nanoparticle (Splat Sensitive Silver), and bamboo charcoal (Colgate Bamboo Charcoal). Each group was further divided into two storage subgroups: bathroom storage and room storage outside the bathroom. Randomization was performed using colored balls drawn by an investigator who was not involved in clinical or microbiological assessments. The microbiologist was blinded to group allocation.

At baseline, all participants received professional prophylaxis and standardized oral hygiene instructions. Participants were instructed to brush twice daily for two minutes using the modified Stillman technique and the same fluoride toothpaste. After brushing, toothbrushes were rinsed under tap water and stored upright and uncovered in the assigned environment. Toothbrushes were not shared or stored in contact with other toothbrushes.

After one month, the used toothbrushes were collected in sterile bags. Under aseptic conditions, one-third of the bristles were removed and transferred into thioglycolate broth. Samples were transported under refrigerated conditions to the microbiology laboratory. Following broth enrichment, samples were cultured on selective media to detect *Streptococcus mutans*, *Lactobacillus* spp., and *Candida albicans*. Suspected isolates were identified using the VITEK 2 Compact system.

Microbial contamination was evaluated based on the presence or absence of each target microorganism rather than quantitative bacterial counts.

Clinical periodontal assessments were performed at baseline and after one month using standardized measurements of plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, and bleeding on probing.

The study was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University (approval number: 2020/13; November 6, 2020). Written informed consent was obtained from parents or legal guardians, and assent was obtained from participants.

Studientyp

Interventionell

Einschreibung (Tatsächlich)

72

Phase

  • Unzutreffend

Kontakte und Standorte

Dieser Abschnitt enthält die Kontaktdaten derjenigen, die die Studie durchführen, und Informationen darüber, wo diese Studie durchgeführt wird.

Studienorte

      • Afyonkarahisar, Türkei (türkiye)
        • Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University

Teilnahmekriterien

Forscher suchen nach Personen, die einer bestimmten Beschreibung entsprechen, die als Auswahlkriterien bezeichnet werden. Einige Beispiele für diese Kriterien sind der allgemeine Gesundheitszustand einer Person oder frühere Behandlungen.

Zulassungskriterien

Studienberechtigtes Alter

11 Jahre bis 18 Jahre (Kind, Erwachsene)

Akzeptiert gesunde Freiwillige

Ja

Studienberechtigte Geschlechter

Alle

Beschreibung

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Adolescents aged 11-18 years.
  • Systemically healthy individuals.
  • Patients undergoing dentofacial orthopedic treatment with removable functional appliances.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Use of systemic antibiotics within the previous 3 months.
  • Use of antimicrobial mouthwash within the previous 3 months.
  • Presence of systemic disease.
  • Smoking.

Studienplan

Dieser Abschnitt enthält Einzelheiten zum Studienplan, einschließlich des Studiendesigns und der Messung der Studieninhalte.

Wie ist die Studie aufgebaut?

Designdetails

  • Hauptzweck: Verhütung
  • Zuteilung: Zufällig
  • Interventionsmodell: Fakultätszuweisung
  • Maskierung: Single

Waffen und Interventionen

Teilnehmergruppe / Arm
Intervention / Behandlung
Aktiver Komparator: Standard Toothbrush - Bathroom

Participants assigned to this arm used a standard plastic toothbrush (Colgate Extra Clean) twice daily for two minutes using the modified Stillman brushing technique and standardized fluoride toothpaste. After each use, the toothbrush was rinsed under tap water and stored upright and uncovered in the bathroom. The intervention lasted one month, after which the toothbrush was collected for microbiological analysis.

A commercially available standard plastic toothbrush (Colgate Extra Clean, Colgate-Palmolive Company, New York, NY, USA) was used as the active comparator. Participants brushed their teeth twice daily for two minutes using the modified Stillman technique and standardized fluoride toothpaste for one month. After each use, the toothbrush was rinsed under tap water and stored upright and uncovered in the assigned storage environment (bathroom or room outside the bathroom). At the end of the intervention period, toothbrushes were collected for microbiological analysis.

Aktiver Komparator: Standard Toothbrush - Room

Participants assigned to this arm used a standard plastic toothbrush (Colgate Extra Clean) twice daily for two minutes using the modified Stillman brushing technique and standardized fluoride toothpaste. After each use, the toothbrush was rinsed under tap water and stored upright and uncovered in a room outside the bathroom. The intervention lasted one month, after which the toothbrush was collected for microbiological analysis.

A commercially available standard plastic toothbrush (Colgate Extra Clean, Colgate-Palmolive Company, New York, NY, USA) was used as the active comparator. Participants brushed their teeth twice daily for two minutes using the modified Stillman technique and standardized fluoride toothpaste for one month. After each use, the toothbrush was rinsed under tap water and stored upright and uncovered in the assigned storage environment (bathroom or room outside the bathroom). At the end of the intervention period, toothbrushes were collected for microbiological analysis.

Experimental: Silver Nanoparticle Toothbrush - Bathroom

Participants assigned to this arm used a silver nanoparticle-containing toothbrush (Splat Sensitive Silver) twice daily for two minutes using the modified Stillman brushing technique and standardized fluoride toothpaste. After each use, the toothbrush was rinsed under tap water and stored upright and uncovered in the bathroom. The intervention lasted one month, after which the toothbrush was collected for microbiological analysis.

A commercially available silver nanoparticle-containing toothbrush (Splat Sensitive Silver, SPLAT-COSMETICA, Moscow, Russia) was used to evaluate microbial contamination compared with a standard plastic toothbrush. Participants brushed their teeth twice daily for two minutes using the modified Stillman technique and standardized fluoride toothpaste for one month. After each use, the toothbrush was rinsed under tap water and stored upright and uncovered in the assigned storage environment (bathroom or room outside the bathroom). At the end of the intervention period, toothbrushes were collected for microbiological analysis.

Experimental: Silver Nanoparticle Toothbrush - Room

Participants assigned to this arm used a silver nanoparticle-containing toothbrush (Splat Sensitive Silver) twice daily for two minutes using the modified Stillman brushing technique and standardized fluoride toothpaste. After each use, the toothbrush was rinsed under tap water and stored upright and uncovered in a room outside the bathroom. The intervention lasted one month, after which the toothbrush was collected for microbiological analysis.

A commercially available silver nanoparticle-containing toothbrush (Splat Sensitive Silver, SPLAT-COSMETICA, Moscow, Russia) was used to evaluate microbial contamination compared with a standard plastic toothbrush. Participants brushed their teeth twice daily for two minutes using the modified Stillman technique and standardized fluoride toothpaste for one month. After each use, the toothbrush was rinsed under tap water and stored upright and uncovered in the assigned storage environment (bathroom or room outside the bathroom). At the end of the intervention period, toothbrushes were collected for microbiological analysis.

Experimental: Bamboo Charcoal Toothbrush - Bathroom

Participants assigned to this arm used a bamboo charcoal toothbrush (Colgate Bamboo Charcoal) twice daily for two minutes using the modified Stillman brushing technique and standardized fluoride toothpaste. After each use, the toothbrush was rinsed under tap water and stored upright and uncovered in the bathroom. The intervention lasted one month, after which the toothbrush was collected for microbiological analysis.

A commercially available bamboo charcoal toothbrush (Colgate Bamboo Charcoal, Colgate-Palmolive Company, New York, NY, USA) was used to evaluate microbial contamination compared with a standard plastic toothbrush. Participants brushed their teeth twice daily for two minutes using the modified Stillman technique and standardized fluoride toothpaste for one month. After each use, the toothbrush was rinsed under tap water and stored upright and uncovered in the assigned storage environment (bathroom or room outside the bathroom). At the end of the intervention period, toothbrushes were collected for microbiological analysis.

Experimental: Bamboo Charcoal Toothbrush - Room

Participants assigned to this arm used a bamboo charcoal toothbrush (Colgate Bamboo Charcoal) twice daily for two minutes using the modified Stillman brushing technique and standardized fluoride toothpaste. After each use, the toothbrush was rinsed under tap water and stored upright and uncovered in a room outside the bathroom. The intervention lasted one month, after which the toothbrush was collected for microbiological analysis.

A commercially available bamboo charcoal toothbrush (Colgate Bamboo Charcoal, Colgate-Palmolive Company, New York, NY, USA) was used to evaluate microbial contamination compared with a standard plastic toothbrush. Participants brushed their teeth twice daily for two minutes using the modified Stillman technique and standardized fluoride toothpaste for one month. After each use, the toothbrush was rinsed under tap water and stored upright and uncovered in the assigned storage environment (bathroom or room outside the bathroom). At the end of the intervention period, toothbrushes were collected for microbiological analysis.

Was misst die Studie?

Primäre Ergebnismessungen

Ergebnis Maßnahme
Maßnahmenbeschreibung
Zeitfenster
Presence of Streptococcus mutans on Toothbrushes
Zeitfenster: 1 month after baseline (end of toothbrush use)

The presence or absence of Streptococcus mutans on toothbrush bristles was assessed after one month of use. Bristle samples were cultured on selective Mitis Salivarius agar supplemented with bacitracin and potassium tellurite following broth enrichment. Suspected isolates were identified using the VITEK 2 Compact system. The outcome was recorded as a binary variable (detected/not detected), and the proportion of contaminated toothbrushes was compared across toothbrush types and storage environments.

1 month after baseline (end of toothbrush use)
Presence of Lactobacillus spp. on Toothbrushes
Zeitfenster: 1 month after baseline (end of toothbrush use)

The presence or absence of Lactobacillus spp. on toothbrush bristles was assessed after one month of use. Bristle samples were cultured on Rogosa agar adjusted to pH 5.5 following broth enrichment. Suspected isolates were identified using the VITEK 2 Compact system. The outcome was recorded as a binary variable (detected/not detected), and the proportion of contaminated toothbrushes was compared across toothbrush types and storage environments.

1 month after baseline (end of toothbrush use)
Presence of Candida albicans on Toothbrushes
Zeitfenster: 1 month after baseline (end of toothbrush use)

The presence or absence of Candida albicans on toothbrush bristles was assessed after one month of use. Bristle samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar supplemented with chloramphenicol following broth enrichment. Suspected isolates were identified using the VITEK 2 Compact system. The outcome was recorded as a binary variable (detected/not detected), and the proportion of contaminated toothbrushes was compared across toothbrush types and storage environments.

1 month after baseline (end of toothbrush use)

Sekundäre Ergebnismessungen

Ergebnis Maßnahme
Maßnahmenbeschreibung
Zeitfenster
Change in Plaque Index From Baseline to One Month
Zeitfenster: Baseline and 1 month

Dental plaque accumulation was assessed using the Silness and Löe Plaque Index at baseline and after one month of toothbrush use. The change in plaque index was calculated by subtracting the baseline score from the one-month score. Changes were compared across toothbrush types and storage environments. Lower scores indicate less plaque accumulation.

Baseline and 1 month
Change in Gingival Index From Baseline to One Month
Zeitfenster: Baseline and 1 month

Gingival inflammation was assessed using the Löe and Silness Gingival Index at baseline and after one month of toothbrush use. The change in gingival index was calculated by subtracting the baseline score from the one-month score. Changes were compared across toothbrush types and storage environments. Lower scores indicate less gingival inflammation.

Baseline and 1 month
Change in Buccal Probing Depth From Baseline to One Month
Zeitfenster: Baseline and 1 month

Buccal periodontal probing depth was measured in millimeters using a periodontal probe (Hu-Friedy No. 15) at baseline and after one month of toothbrush use. Measurements were obtained as part of a standardized six-site periodontal examination of all teeth present. The change in buccal probing depth was calculated by subtracting the baseline value from the one-month value. Changes were compared across toothbrush types and storage environments. Positive values indicate an increase in probing depth.

Baseline and 1 month
Change in Lingual Probing Depth From Baseline to One Month
Zeitfenster: Baseline and 1 month

Lingual periodontal probing depth was measured in millimeters using a periodontal probe (Hu-Friedy No. 15) at baseline and after one month of toothbrush use. Measurements were obtained as part of a standardized six-site periodontal examination of all teeth present. The change in lingual probing depth was calculated by subtracting the baseline value from the one-month value. Changes were compared across toothbrush types and storage environments. Positive values indicate an increase in probing depth.

Baseline and 1 month
Change in Bleeding on Probing From Baseline to One Month
Zeitfenster: Baseline and 1 month

Bleeding on probing (BOP) was assessed at six sites per tooth using a periodontal probe (Hu-Friedy No. 15) at baseline and after one month of toothbrush use. BOP was expressed as the percentage of examined sites exhibiting bleeding. The change in BOP was calculated by subtracting the baseline percentage from the one-month percentage and was expressed in percentage points. Changes were compared across toothbrush types and storage environments. Negative values indicate a reduction in gingival bleeding.

Baseline and 1 month

Mitarbeiter und Ermittler

Hier finden Sie Personen und Organisationen, die an dieser Studie beteiligt sind.

Sponsor

Publikationen und hilfreiche Links

Die Bereitstellung dieser Publikationen erfolgt freiwillig durch die für die Eingabe von Informationen über die Studie verantwortliche Person. Diese können sich auf alles beziehen, was mit dem Studium zu tun hat.

Studienaufzeichnungsdaten

Diese Daten verfolgen den Fortschritt der Übermittlung von Studienaufzeichnungen und zusammenfassenden Ergebnissen an ClinicalTrials.gov. Studienaufzeichnungen und gemeldete Ergebnisse werden von der National Library of Medicine (NLM) überprüft, um sicherzustellen, dass sie bestimmten Qualitätskontrollstandards entsprechen, bevor sie auf der öffentlichen Website veröffentlicht werden.

Haupttermine studieren

Studienbeginn (Tatsächlich)

1. März 2021

Primärer Abschluss (Tatsächlich)

16. August 2022

Studienabschluss (Tatsächlich)

4. September 2022

Studienanmeldedaten

Zuerst eingereicht

8. November 2026

Zuerst eingereicht, das die QC-Kriterien erfüllt hat

8. November 2026

Zuerst gepostet (Tatsächlich)

13. November 2026

Studienaufzeichnungsaktualisierungen

Letztes Update gepostet (Tatsächlich)

13. November 2026

Letztes eingereichtes Update, das die QC-Kriterien erfüllt

8. November 2026

Zuletzt verifiziert

1. November 2026

Mehr Informationen

Begriffe im Zusammenhang mit dieser Studie

Andere Studien-ID-Nummern

  • Seher Gözde Uğur
  • 21.DUS.001 (Andere Zuschuss-/Finanzierungsnummer: Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University - Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit)

Plan für individuelle Teilnehmerdaten (IPD)

Planen Sie, individuelle Teilnehmerdaten (IPD) zu teilen?

NEIN

Beschreibung des IPD-Plans

Individual participant data (IPD) will not be made publicly available due to participant confidentiality and privacy considerations, as the study involved adolescents. The study was conducted under institutional ethical approval, and no formal IPD sharing plan was established.

Arzneimittel- und Geräteinformationen, Studienunterlagen

Studiert ein von der US-amerikanischen FDA reguliertes Arzneimittelprodukt

Nein

Studiert ein von der US-amerikanischen FDA reguliertes Geräteprodukt

Nein

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