Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of an alternative natural agent for disinfection of toothbrushes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the antimicrobial potency of aqueous extract of Psidium guajava leaves in two different concentrations as a toothbrush disinfectant against three oral bacterial species.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aqueous extracts of P. guajava leaves were prepared at 20% and 30% concentrations and 0.2% chlorhexidine was used as control. The toothbrushes were equally divided into 9 groups with 10 toothbrushes per disinfectant, which were contaminated with Streptococcus mutans , Lactobacillus acidophilus , and Enterococcus faecalis . Microbial culture was done after 5 min and 3 h of decontamination.

RESULTS: Group Ia and Ib showed that the presence of E. faecalis was observed in 8 (40%) of 20 toothbrushes. Group IIa and IIb showed a significant reduction in colony forming unit/toothbrush during 3 h evaluation. Group IIIa and IIIb showed nil growth during 3 h evaluation. Nil growth was observed with the control group for all three organisms. Statistically significant values were obtained for 5 min ( P < 0.001) and 3 h ( P < 0.001) disinfection period against L. acidophilus at two different concentrations.

CONCLUSION: Aqueous extracts of guava leaves can be used as an alternative organic product for disinfection of toothbrushes.