SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted, even from asymptomatic individuals, in various ways, including drops, aerosols and, to a lesser extent, fomites.
Now, Brazilian researchers have evaluated the use of these products in a toothbrush disinfection protocol, they report in an article published online in Journal of Infectious Diseases.
As the authors of the text, published as a Letter to the Editor, point out, people infected with SARS-CoV-2 have “high viral loads in saliva, nasopharynx and oropharynx”, which can occur even in asymptomatic people.
Because toothbrushes can act as reservoirs for microorganisms and promote the transmission of diseases such as COVID-19, the authors believe that disinfecting brushes would be important to control the transmission of the virus in common areas.
A recent study showed that commercially available mouthwashes can inactivate SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. The results showed that antiseptic solutions containing ethanol and essential oils – exemplified by the brand Listerine Cool Mint, to name one – has had satisfactory effects in reducing viral load.
However, there are still no specific studies evaluating the effectiveness of different mouthwashing solutions in disinfecting toothbrushes, nor are there any randomized studies showing that the use of such solutions would have a protective role in clinical practice against COVID transmission. -19.
Disinfection protocol
As proposed by the authors after a review of the available data on this topic, the disinfection of toothbrushes should follow the following steps:
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Wash your hands with soap and water or sanitize them with 70% alcohol
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Disinfect the surface of the toothbrush handle with 70% alcohol for 1 minute
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Brush your teeth
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Wash the brush and disinfect the handle surface with 70% alcohol for 1 minute
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Let the brush head soak in a solution of ethanol and essential oils for 20 minutes
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Keep the brush individually after letting it dry
According to the authors, the steps for disinfecting the toothbrush with 70% alcohol are important when brushing in collective environments, such as schools or at work and should not be performed at home, if not desired.
Another important observation made by the authors: brushes used by individuals who are known to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 should be discarded immediately after use. in vitro revised studies for the development of the protocol showed that it was possible to observe a satisfactory reduction in viral load with only 30 seconds of exposure to the tested solution. However, it is important to consider that the toothbrush has retentive niches of microorganisms due to its design – hence the recommendation for immersion for a longer period of time.
More studies are needed
“Toothbrushes play an essential role in oral hygiene, but can also act as reservoirs for microorganisms, promoting the transmission of disease to healthy and sick people,” the authors write.
although in vitro The effectiveness of the solution of ethanol and essential oils – as well as that of alternative solutions, such as povidone-iodine – has been demonstrated in several studies, more research is needed.
“[R]Endomized clinical trials are needed to verify the effectiveness of oral rinsing in preventing the spread of the virus, including the evaluation of toothbrush disinfection, “the authors conclude.
The authors did not disclose any relevant financial relationship.
J Infect Dis. Published online December 28, 2020. Full text
This article originally appeared in the Portuguese edition of Medscape.
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