Comparative Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Chlorhexidine, Povidone Iodine and Glutaraldehyde for Disinfection of Orthodontic Appliances-An In-Vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction: Orthodontists must take precautionary measures to protect patients from cross-infection as most materials supplied by manufacturers are not sterile. Materials and methods: A sample of 108 as received brackets, molar tubes and archwires equally divided in four groups (3 experimental groups, Group 1-Chlorhexidine Gluconate, Group 2 – Povidone Iodine, Group 3-Glutaraldehyde and one Control (group 4) were used in this study. Three samples of each (brackets, archwires, molar bands) were tested for CFUs of each micro-organism (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Lactobacillus acidophilus) in each group. The samples were incubated and spread on blood agar and the colony forming units (CFUs/ml) enumeration were done before and after disinfection. Results: Brackets and molar bands had least CFU/ml of Staphylococcus aureus after disinfection in Group 3 (p=0.000). Of all the materials contaminated by Streptococcus mutans (p= 0.000) and Lactobacillus acidophilus, the mean CFUs/ml were least in Group 2 (p<0.05). Conclusion: 2% Glutaraldehyde was effective against Staphylococcus aureus. 5% Povidone iodine was effective against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The antimicrobial activity of 5% Povidone Iodine was most effective followed by glutaraldehyde when compared to chlorhexidine gluconate.