Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Undergraduate Students Regarding Toothbrush Contamination and Disinfection

Abstract

Background: Toothbrushes play a significant role in disease transmission as they act as a reservoir for
microorganisms and aid in increasing the risk of infection in any individual. In recent years, the necessity
of toothbrush disinfection has gained importance. Toothbrush disinfection should be recommended as a
routine practice for all individuals. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of
undergraduate students regarding toothbrush contamination and disinfection.
Materials and methods: This study involved 446 undergraduate students between the age group of 18 to 23
years. A validated questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of undergraduate
students regarding toothbrush contamination and disinfection. The study showed that 24.89% of the students
disinfected their toothbrushes and 75.11% did not use any disinfectant. 78.92% of the students feel that
bacteria as the main mode of toothbrush contamination. 84.40% of the students feel that the disinfection of
the toothbrush is necessary whereas 15.69% feel that toothbrush disinfection is not necessary. 61.29% of
students did not know toothbrush disinfection.
Conclusion: Fewer students have sufficient knowledge about toothbrush contamination and practice the
disinfection methods, whereas the majority of the students are unaware of the contamination of toothbrushes
and the use of disinfectant methods.