Abstract: Disclosed herein is a synergistic cleaning and disinfecting composition for use in decontaminating biofilm-coated surfaces like fresh water lines providing water supply to dental instruments, these lines being susceptible to contamination by microorganisms and being susceptible to the formation of biofilm coatings on their inner walls, the composition comprising an effective amount of a detergent, an effective amount of a denaturing agent attacking the extracellular matrix formed between microorganisms and between microorganisms and the inner walls of these water lines and an effective amount of a bactericide for destroying the microorganisms.

Abstract: A system for disinfecting the water lines of a dental unit is provided with first and second unidirectional check valves. Water at a first pressure is normally supplied to the water lines of the dental unit through the first check valve. A reservoir of liquid disinfectant can be pressurized at a second pressure higher than the first pressure by the air compressor already equipping the dental unit to supply disinfectant to the water lines of the dental unit through the second check valve. Liquid disinfectant is prevented from reaching the water supply line by the first check valve. In the same manner, when the reservoir is not pressurized, the second check valve prevents water from the water supply line from reaching the disinfectant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a synergistic cleaning and disinfecting composition for use in decontaminating biofilm-coated surfaces like fresh water lines providing water supply to dental instruments, these lines being susceptible to contamination by microorganisms and being susceptible to the formation of biofilm coatings on their inner walls, the composition comprising an effective amount of a detergent, an effective amount of a denaturing agent attacking the extracellular matrix formed between microorganisms and between microorganisms and the inner walls of these water lines and an effective amount of a bactericide for destroying the microorganisms.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a synergistic cleaning and disinfecting composition for use in decontaminating biofilm-coated surfaces like fresh water lines providing water supply to dental instruments, these lines being susceptible to contamination by microorganisms and being susceptible to the formation of biofilm coatings on their inner walls, the composition comprising an effective amount of a detergent, an effective amount of a denaturing agent attacking the extracellular matrix formed between microorganisms and between microorganisms and the inner walls of these water lines and an effective amount of a bactericide for destroying the microorganisms.

Abstract: A test device for evaluating microbial contamination of a liquid comprises a hollow container unit defining a first compartment for containing a nutrient for growing microorganisms and a second compartment for containing a contamination indicating coloring agent. The first compartment is filled with the liquid to be tested, which liquid mixes with the nutrient to grow the microorganisms during a predetermined period of time. During growth of the microorganisms, a sealing mechanism isolates the first and second compartments from each other. After the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the sealing mechanism is operated to establish communication between the first and second compartments to thereby mix the coloring agent from the second compartment with the liquid from the first compartment. In the presence of microorganisms, the coloring agent colors the liquid to indicate contamination thereof.