Inhibition of the adhesive ability of Streptococcus mutans on hydroxyapatite pellet using a toothbrush equipped with TiO2 semiconductor and solar panel

TiO₂ has an antibacterial effect against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). The objective of this study was to show the Inhibition of the adhesive ability of S. mutans on hydroxyapatite pellet using a toothbrush equipped with TiO₂ semiconductor and solar panel. Gradual brushing of 9 hydroxyapatite pellets was done by the same person using a solar toothbrush under 750/LUX light source in water. As a control, pellets brushed with a placebo toothbrush were done using the same procedure by the same person. All the pellets were inoculated in 10 ml Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth containing 100μl of 10⁸ CFU/ml S. mutans and 1% sucrose and then incubated at 37°C for 12 hours. After incubation, the adherence conditions of S. mutans on each pellet were checked. The bacterial count of S. mutans on the brushed pellets using solar toothbrush were fewer than those using placebo toothbrush. The quantities of adherence of S. mutans decreased according to number of brushing and adhesion on pellets brushed more than 50 times could not be recognized. However, adhesion of S. mutans on the pellets brushed using placebo toothbrush were recognized and the adhesive quantities were visually the same. These results occurred because of some electronic charges on the brushed pellets using solar toothbrush. Soladey-3 toothbrush prevented S. mutans adhesion to the hydroxyapatite pellet under a light source.