Disinfectant Efficacy of 0.525% Sodium Hypochlorite and Epimax on Alginate Impression Material

Species of Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, Actinomyces, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, and Candida are commonly seen in the oral cavity. Impression materials are commonly contaminated with microorganisms. The present study was conducted to assess the disinfection efficacy of Epimax and 0.525% sodium hypochlorite on alginate impression over a period of 10 minutes. This study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics in the year 2015. An alginate impression material was prepared. For each bacteria species, 15 samples were used. Out of 15 samples, 3 were used by 0.525% sodium hypochlorite for disinfection for 5 minutes and 3 others for 10 minutes. Similarly, 3 samples were used by Epimax for 5 minutes and other 3 for 10 minutes. Three samples were used as controls. Each sample was polluted with Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus strains. There was no statistical difference in P. aeruginosa and C. albicans after 5 minutes, whereas S. aureus showed significant difference (p < 0.05). Epimax was found to be more effective in removing S. aureus as compared with other disinfectants. Both Epimax and 0.525% sodium hypochlorite did not show significant difference against P. aeruginosa and C. albicans, whereas significant difference was found between both agents against S. aureus (p < 0.05). It was seen that Epimax eliminated S. aureus after 5 minutes and P. aeruginosa after 10 minutes and 99.8% C. albicans after 10 minutes. About 0.525% sodium hypochlorite eliminated 99.1% of C. albicans after 10 minutes, whereas 98.5 and 99% of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa were eliminated after 10 minutes respectively. Both Epimax and 0.525% sodium hypochlorite can disinfect the alginate impression material against C. albicans, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus strains. However, Epimax was found to be more effective against S. aureus as compared with 0.525% sodium hypochlorite. Efficacy of disinfection of sodium hypo-chlorite and Epimax on alginate impression.