Effect of heat disinfection methods on the surface roughness of silicone nipples

Introduction and Objective: Pacifier and silicone nipples have been widely used, although there is a lack of information on which disinfection procedures are most effective and safe. The aim was to evaluate the effect of heat disinfection methods on the surface of three different types of silicone pacifiers (conventional, orthodontic A and orthodontic B). Method: The pacifiers were randomly assigned into two groups of 10 specimens each according to the disinfection protocol, microwave (seven minutes) or boiling water (five minutes), performed once a day. They were subsequently immersed in artificial saliva (12 hours) and stored in a dry environment to mimic routine use for 30 days. The surface was evaluated with a scanning electron microscope and profilometer at baseline, 15 and 30 days. Results: The orthodontic B pacifier showed a higher surface roughness at baseline, but an increase in the surface roughness, saliences and pores was observed at 15 and 30 days in all specimens (p < 0.001; three-way mixed model), irrespective of the disinfection method. Conclusions: There were remarkable changes to the surface of the silicone pacifiers after 15 and 30 days of heat disinfection procedures. Awareness of their harmful effect on the surface of a pacifier is important so as to improve the recommendations given to caregivers to ensure effective disinfection with the least possible damage.