What is a common application of Bacillus atrophaeus in dental hygiene?

Bacillus atrophaeus is commonly used in dental hygiene primarily as a biological indicator for sterilization processes, specifically to test the efficacy of sterilization methods such as dry heat ovens and ethylene oxide gas. When utilized in these contexts, it serves to verify whether the necessary conditions for effective sterilization have been met.

This organism is selected for this purpose because it is a spore-forming bacterium that can withstand high temperatures and harsh conditions. If Bacillus atrophaeus spores are successfully killed during the sterilization process, it indicates that the sterilization method is effective. Thus, its role as a biological indicator is crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of sterilization methods used in dental practices.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the primary use of Bacillus atrophaeus in dental hygiene. Using it as a low-level disinfectant or recommending it for surface cleaning does not align with its function, and its effectiveness as a high-level disinfectant is not a recognized application. Therefore, the primary relevance of Bacillus atrophaeus in the context of dental hygiene is in the testing and verification of sterilization processes.