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Brush Up!

Booth Id:
MCRO042

Category:
Microbiology

Year:
2023

Finalist Names:
David, Kenadi (School: Hankinson Public School)

Abstract:
Purpose: To determine the best way to store your toothbrush and the best way to decontaminate your toothbrush. Procedure: Colonization Process 1. I brushed my teeth, and then right after brushing I swabbed that toothbrush. 2. I used that swab and applied it to my agar plate 3. Each time I swabbed, plates were taped shut immediately and placed in the schools incubator. 4. Then, after I put my toothbrush into the testing products and left it in the counter top spot or in the bag, depending on toothbrush number. 5. The next morning I went in and swabbed those toothbrushes again at the 12 hour mark to see how much the testing products would affect it. 6. I then would wait until the 18 hour mark to swab the toothbrushes again just to see the effectiveness of the testing products. 7. I ran a series of two tests and then counted colonies at the end of all my testing. 8. All things associated with the bacteria testing in my project were disposed properly by my instructors. Human Participation Process: 1. I made a survey for human participants to take, and before they would take the survey they would fill out a human consent form. 2. They would fill out the survey and give my information on their dental care. 3. I then analyzed my data and gathered my results at the end when I was done collecting all my data. Results: The results of this project were very close together but in the end, the best way to store your toothbrush is to use a close container. Using a closed container had the least amount of bacteria show. The best testing product that I used in my project is, vinegar.