Knowledge and Practice of Dentists in a Dental College Regarding Toothbrush Disinfection in Mangalore City: A Cross Sectional Questionnaire Study Original Article

Background: Toothbrushes play a pivotal role in the
mechanical method of plaque control; they also act as
reservoirs of micro organisms. Contaminated
toothbrushes are likely to play an important role in
many oral and systemic diseases, causing septicemia and
diseases of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory,
and renal systems.
Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the
level of Knowledge and Practices related to toothbrush
disinfection among dentists from a dental college in
Mangalore city.
Material and Methods: A prospective study was
conducted among dentists from a dental college located
in Mangalore city, a 21-item google form questionnaire
was sent by means of social media (WhatsApp). The
responses obtained were used to assess their knowledge
and practices toward toothbrush disinfection.
Conclusion: The results of the study conclude that the
participants have good knowledge about toothbrush
disinfection and it has translated to practice, but patient
knowledge and practice can be improved to encourage
practice of disinfection.