EVALUATION OF DIFFERENCE IN BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION OF TOOTHBRUSHES BETWEENPATIENTS WITH GINGIVITIS AND PATIENTS WITHHEALTHY GINGIVA-A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

To Evaluate the difference in bacterial contamination of toothbrushes between patients with gingivitis and patients with healthy gingiva.To determine the bacterial contamination in terms of CFU/ml after brushing for a period of two weeks in patients with healthy gingiva.To determine the bacterial contamination in terms of CFU/ml after brushing for a period of two weeks in patients with gingivitis. To compare the difference in bacterial contamination in terms of CFU/ml between patients with healthy gingival and patients with gingivitis.The most commonly used method to maintain oral hygiene is toothbrush. Its main goal is to remove plaque, debris and stains which are responsible for gingivitis, periodontitis , tooth decay and halitosis. While removing, toothbrush becomes contaminated with blood, saliva, bacteria and soft debris. The toothbrush itself can act as a foci of infection and retard the disease prognosis and treatment outcomes.