Evaluation of Silybum marianum Extract and Natural Antimicrobial Dental Disinfectant Solutions for Toothbrush Decontamination and Oral Hygiene Infection Control

Silybum Marianum; Herbal Antimicrobial; Dental Pharmaceutical; Toothbrush Decontamination; Oral Hygiene; Natural Antimicrobial Agents

Dhuha Malek Hasan1*
PhD Preventive Dentistry- Department
of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry,
College of Dentistry, University of
Babylon, Al-Hilla, Babylon, Iraq, Email:
Email:
den129.duha.malik@uobabylon.edu.iq,
ORCID: 0009-0006-9331-3250

Zeyad Nazar Majeed2
College of Dentistry, University of
Babylon, Babylon, Iraq, Email:
dent.zeyad.nazar@uobabylon.edu.iq,
ORCID: 0000-0002-4310-3304
Asmaa Sami Jawad3
Department of surgery, College of
dentistry university of Babylon Email:
dent.asmaa.sami@uobabylon.edu.iq,
ORCID: 0009-0008-0261-4926

Received:12.04.2026
Revised: 18.04.2026
Accepted: 04.05.2026

European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry (2026) 34(2),53–61

Evaluation
of
Silybum
marianum
Extract
and
Natural Antimicrobial Dental
Disinfectant Solutions for
Toothbrush Decontamination
and Oral Hygiene Infection
Control

Background: Toothbrushes may act as reservoirs for oral and extraoral microorganisms and contribute to cross-contamination and oral microbial reinfection. This is clinically relevant for patients requiring restorative, periodontal, and prosthodontic maintenance. Regular toothbrush disinfection may help reduce bacterial contamination. Aim: To evaluate toothbrush microbiological contamination and the antimicrobial effectiveness of Silybum marianum extract and other natural dental disinfectant solutions. Materials and Methods: Sixty volunteers aged 15–45 years used standardized toothbrushes for seven days. Toothbrushes were disinfected using baking soda, 50% vinegar, 3% garlic solution, aqueous Silybum marianum extract, 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate, and tap water control. Bacterial counts before and after disinfection were analyzed statistically. Results: All disinfectant solutions except tap water showed significant bacterial reduction (P<0.05). The highest reduction was observed with 0.2% chlorhexidine, followed by Silybum marianum, garlic, vinegar, and baking soda. No significant difference was found between Silybum marianum, garlic, and chlorhexidine groups (P>0.05). Bacillus subtilis was the most prevalent bacterial isolate. Conclusion: Silybum marianum demonstrated promising antibacterial activity and may serve as a natural adjunctive dental disinfectant for toothbrush decontamination; however, further clinical validation is required before routine dental recommendation.

In order to prevent periodontal diseases and dental caries, brushing is essential for removing dental plaque and maintaining oral hygiene1. Toothbrushes are colonized by oral and environmental microorganisms, which can survive between the bristles for one to seven days. Many bacteria, viruses, and fungi can spread or reinfect through contaminated toothbrushes 2,3. Effective microbial control is important not only for maintaining general oral hygiene but also for supporting restorative and prosthodontic dental maintenance, where plaque accumulation and oral microbial reinfection may compromise long-term oral health outcomes. Toothbrush decontamination may therefore represent a simple supportive measure for reducing bacterial transmission and improving oral hygiene maintenance in susceptible dental patients. Regular usage of infected toothbrushes can spread bacteria between people or within the same person's oral cavity. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ejprd.org - Published by Riset Publishing Services LLC.

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