Evaluation of efficacy of various disinfectants in reducing microbial contamination of dental unit water lines
International Journal of Development Research
Evaluation of efficacy of various disinfectants in reducing microbial contamination of dental unit water lines
Received 17th October, 2019; Received in revised form 20th November, 2019; Accepted 19th December, 2019; Published online 31st January, 2020
Copyright © 2020, Dr. Priyadarshini Seal et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Background: Many studies have shown extensive contamination of dental unit water lines. This poses a potential risk of infection for patients as well as dental professionals. Objective: To compare and evaluate the efficacy of different commonly available disinfectants in reducing the microbial colony count in water derived from dental unit waterlines. Method: Four dental units were selected and samples were collected before and after intervention using 2 disinfectants (0.02% H2O2 continuously), (1:50 Original Listerine overnight treatment), Air Purge technique and control group for 14 days. Samples were cultured in Brain Heart infusion agar. Result: Study showed that all units were heavily contaminated with microbes. After intervention, counts reduced progressively in consecutive days. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the present study, it was found that all types of intervention were effective in reducing the microbial colony count of the DUWLs. Continuous Hydrogen peroxide and air purge weremost effective.
