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BMC Oral Health
Published in: BMC Oral Health 1/2023

Open Access 01-12-2023 | Research

Evaluating the microbial aerosol generated by dental instruments: addressing new challenges for oral healthcare in the hospital infection

Authors: Xin Yang, Ruolan Liu, Jiakang Zhu, Tian Luo, Yu Zhan, Chunyuan Li, Yuqing Li, Haiyang Yu

Published in: BMC Oral Health | Issue 1/2023

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Abstract

Background

Using a rotary instrument or ultrasonic instrument for tooth preparation is a basic operation in the dental clinic that can produce a significant number of droplets and aerosols. The dental droplet and aerosol can lead to the transfer of harmful germs. The goal of this study was to analyze the properties of microbiological aerosol created by droplets and aerosol generated by three common tooth-preparation instruments.

Methods

Streptococcus mutans UA159 was used as the biological tracer to visualize the droplets and aerosols. The passive sampling method was used to map the three-dimensional spatial distribution and the six-stage Andersen microbial sampler (AMS) was used as the active sampling method to catch aerosol particles at a specific time.

Results

The aerosol concentration is related to instruments, three-dimensional spatial distribution, and dissipation time. Most aerosols were generated by air turbines. More microorganisms are concentrated at the 1.5 m plane. The majority of the post dental procedure contamination was detected within the 0–10-min period and it decreased rapidly within 30 min.

Conclusion

This study is conducive to the proposal and improvement of relevant infection control measures in dental procedures and provides a basis for the assessment of measures, reducing the risk of nosocomial infection.
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Metadata
Title
Evaluating the microbial aerosol generated by dental instruments: addressing new challenges for oral healthcare in the hospital infection
Authors
Xin Yang
Ruolan Liu
Jiakang Zhu
Tian Luo
Yu Zhan
Chunyuan Li
Yuqing Li
Haiyang Yu
Publication date
01-12-2023
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Oral Health / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6831
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-023-03109-5

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