Microbial contamination and disinfection methods of pacifiers

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the microbial contamination of pacifiers by Mutans Streptococci (MS) and the efficacy of different methods for their disinfection.Methods Twenty-eight children were assigned to a 4-stage changeover system with a 1-week interval. In each stage, children received a new pacifier and the parents were instructed to maintain their normal habits for 1 week. After this time, the pacifiers were subjected to the following 4 disinfection methods: spraying with 0.12% chlorhexidine solution, Brushtox® or sterile tap water, and immersion in boiling tap water for 15 minutes. Microbiological culture for MS and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were performed. The results were analyzed statistically by Friedman’s non-parametric test (a=0.05).Results The 0.12% chlorhexidine spray was statistically similar to the boiling water (p>0.05) and more effective than the Brushtox® spray and control (p<0.05). The analysis of SEM showed the formation of a cariogenic biofilm in all groups with positive culture.Conclusions Pacifiers become contaminated by MS after their use by children and should be disinfected routinely. Spraying with a 0.12% chlorhexidine solution and immersion in boiling water promoted better disinfection of the pacifiers compared with a commercial antiseptic toothbrush cleanser (Brushtox®).

Efficacy of locally-available cleaning methods in removing biofilms from taps and surfaces of household water storage containers

“…To our knowledge, boiled water and soapy water have not previously been evaluated in this context for biofilm removal. A contact time of 5 min with boiled water could 'melt' EPS components, as soaking in boiling water has removed biofilms from baby pacifiers 47 . However, scrubbing with boiled water would not have sufficient temperature/contact time to impact the live E. coli on the surface or biofilm structure (as seen in results).…”

Control of bacterial biofilms formed on pacifiers by antimicrobial solutions in spray

“…However, the use of chlorhexidine is controversial, in particular due to the cost when compared to other disinfection solutions. These drawbacks may limit its widespread use, especially in low‐income population…”

“…However, the use of chlorhexidine is controversial, in particular due to the cost when compared to other disinfection solutions. These drawbacks may limit its widespread use, especially in low-income population 17,20 Although sodium hypochlorite is frequently suggested for disinfection of materials, it was not included in this study due to the reported toxicity 23 , difficult manipulation and residual bad taste 24 .…”

Analysis of Biofilms Formation by Cronobacter sp. during Growth in Infant Formula Milk

“…Usage of pacifier is linked to otitis media, candidiasis, intestinal parasitic infections and dental caries. Adhesion of mutans Streptococci might increase chances of dental caries in children as it is the major etiologic agents of dental caries in humans (Nelson et al 2015). Early childhood caries (ECC) are one of the most common chronic childhood diseases that affect health and well-being, thus it remain as WHO concern (Molepo & Molaudzi 2015).…”

“…Early childhood caries (ECC) are one of the most common chronic childhood diseases that affect health and well-being, thus it remain as WHO concern (Molepo & Molaudzi 2015). Hence, disinfecting pacifiers are strongly recommended by boiling for 15 min or spraying with antimicrobial agents such as 0.12% chloehexidine (Nelson et al 2015). Effective disinfection methods to limit pacifiers from contamination are crucial even though there are studies that prove used pacifiers can retain oral microorganism (Molepo & Molaudzi 2015).…”