WVU undergraduate dental students Kayla Clark and Darcie Trotter read and heard some debate on whether toothbrushes should be stored in containers. They even stored their brushes in cases. The issue of possible bacteria growth piqued their interest and they set out to collect some solid evidence.
Darcie and I compared the total bacteria count of three commonly used toothbrush containers, after two weeks of use, with 24 participants. While traveling, or even for everyday use, many individuals use caps, bags or cases to store their toothbrush or ‘protect’ them.
Clark, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, and Trotter, of Teays Valley, West Virginia,
presented their research project “Toothbrush Protector or Bacteria Collector?”
at the 2023 Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol in Charleston, West Virginia. From
the start, the two theorized containers would harbor bacteria.
Which one topped the list, though, wasn’t their prediction.
Q: Tell us about your research project.
Clark: For our research, Darcie and I compared the total bacteria count of three commonly used toothbrush containers, after two weeks of use, with 24 participants. While traveling, or even for everyday use, many individuals use caps, bags or cases to store their toothbrush or ‘protect’ them. At the conclusion of the study, we collected over 700 billion total bacteria on the containers. Averaging the total counts, cases ranked first for the most bacteria accumulated, bags second and caps had the least. We learned that toothbrush containers are not protectors, instead they are bacteria collectors.
I was actually very surprised by our results. We hypothesized that the plastic bag storage method would accumulate the most bacteria. So, the overall average accumulation being majorly more on cases was surprising.
Q: How do you think research enhances students’ education?
Clark: I got my own insight as to how much goes into the research WVU students do year-round. I think research projects enhance students’ education by giving them an opportunity to perform the steps to understand the hard work and effort that goes into discovering new information we often take for granted in school.
Trotter: Being a dental hygiene student has taught me the impact that oral health has on one’s overall health, as well as the importance of routine oral hygiene in preventing infections.
Q: Why did you decide to study dental hygiene?
Clark: From a young age, I always looked forward to going to see my hygienist and dentist. I knew I wanted to have an occupation in a healthcare setting, and dental hygiene was the perfect choice for me. Teeth are one of the first features the eyes gravitate to on a face. Being able to help others feel more confident in their smile is something I cannot wait to do!
Trotter: I loved the feeling of getting my teeth cleaned. Also, I thought it was a sign because I’ve never had a cavity.
Q: How do you spend your time outside of school?
Clark: I like to exercise, go hiking, fishing, spending time outdoors in general and trying new foods.
Trotter: Chick-fil-A, dog cuddles and karaoke with my roommate.
Q: What are your future plans?
Clark: I plan to return home to Parkersburg and practice hygiene in a general practice.
Trotter: Following graduation, I plan to move back to Teays Valley and work in a dental practice in the Charleston area.
Q: What makes you smile?
Clark: Making others smile is the best way to make myself smile.
Trotter: My two dogs, Birx and Buzz.
Written by Linda Skidmore