J Dent Hyg Sci.  2024 Dec;24(4):221-230. 10.17135/jdhs.2024.24.4.221.

Efficacy of Mouthrinsing in Reducing Aerosol Contamination in the Dental Environment: A Systematic Review

• Choi EM
• Sim EB

• KMID: 2563381
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17135/jdhs.2024.24.4.221

Abstract

Background
Aerosols generated during dental procedures can contaminate dental devices and trigger microbial and pathogenic propagation in dental clinics. Pre-procedural use of chlorhexidine gluconate, essential oils, or povidone-iodine can reduce the number of oral microorganisms in aerosols and the splatter produced during dental procedures. This study provides an update on aerosol-mediated respiratory infections and evaluates the efficacy of pre-procedural mouth rinsing at different landing distances.
Methods
We searched relevant articles in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases in December 2020. The eligible studies provided clear and sufficient information on aerosol and splatter reduction during dental procedures. We performed a systematic review of the effectiveness of pre-procedural mouth rinses in reducing the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) in dental aerosols.
Results
In this review, 9 of the 23 selected studies showed positive effects of pre-procedural mouth rinse intervention. The analysis of the landing distances of aerosols originating from the patient’s mouth revealed microorganisms in the aerosols at a minimum distance of one foot to a maximum distance of three feet or more. The experimental group that used pre-procedural antimicrobial mouth rinses showed a statistically significant mean CFU reduction of 33.33∼94.33% in the experimental group compared with the control group.
Conclusion
We recommend the use of mouthwash solutions to reduce the production of contaminated aerosols during dental procedures.

Keyword

Aerosols; Mouthwashes; Respiratory tract infections