TOOTHBRUSH CARE
I read with great interest and
enthusiasm the article by Dr. mary Zolnowski-Casey in the May issue
of the importance of good toothbrush care. i would like to point out
several areas in the article which need further attention.
First, Dr. zolnowski-Casey states that in 16,000 articles on the
toothbrush, she found only two articles that pertain to
sanitization. Having been the first investigator to address the
problems of disease transmission by the toothbrush. I would cite 18
articles and abstracts that I have personally authored dealing with
the topic of toothbrush care.
Second, several of the above articles address the magnification
of the toothbrush problem by allowing the toothbrush to be stored in
the bathroom, as Dr. Zolnowski-Casey suggested. Our studies, which
have been confirmed by other investigators, have found that the
bathroom is the most contaminated room in the house. Conversely, our
studies have also found that the contamination of the bathroom can
be prevented by using an ultraviolet light toothbrush storage device
such as the Purebrush Antibacterial Toothbrush Storage system
(Murdock laboratories).
Third, when our studies looked at aerobic, facultative,
anaerobic, obligate anaerobic, yeast/fungal and viral microorganism
contaminated toothbrushes, we found that the only way to have
uniform killing of all microorganisms was to use an ultraviolet
light toothbrush storage device. Chemical treatments (such as Dr.
Zolnowski-casey's suggestion), dishwashing, boiling, autoclaving and
even microwaving either did not kill large numbers and groups of
microorganisms or rendered the toothbrushes unusable.
The one caveat is that we were able to sterilize toothbrushes
with ethylene oxide; however, this carcinogenic chemical has an
affinity for the plastics of the toothbrush and the bristles and
would therefore be inappropriate to use on a regular basis.
Again, let me compliment the journal of the American Dental
Association and Dr. Zolnowski-Casey for publishing this article on a
very important subject for every dental professional and every
dental patient.
R. Tom Glass, D.D.S, Ph.D.
Tulsa, Okla.
Home | Information | Clinical Studies | Press Releases | Store
| Testimonials
123 Primrose Road - Burlingame, CA
94010
Sales: 800-439-2497 Lab: 650-579-1352
Fax:
650-579-1351 Email:info@purebrush.com
|
