At some point, the COVID-19 pandemic will subside. We are going to return to seeing patients, however there will be a new normal. Things could have changed. There could also be new OSHA rules, or on the very least, we’ll observe the current guidelines far more carefully. One process that won’t change, however, is pre-rinsing. We have been taught to do that at school with each patient, and we all know we needs to be doing it. Nonetheless, it is protected to say that this is not universally finished. In reality, in my unscientific ballot of clinicians (I known as 25 buddies), I discovered that fewer than 20% had their sufferers pre-rinse. However I am betting that quantity will likely be near 100% post-pandemic.
On this article, we will have a look at the importance of pre-rinsing. we will additionally have a look at a product that helps shield clinicians and sufferers from aerosolized viruses, micro organism, and fungi.
Why pre-rinse?
Within the dental surroundings, aerosols are harmful carriers of contaminants. Nostril secretions, throat secretions, and blood can change into aerosolized throughout appointments. These aerosols stay within the air, choose surfaces, and will be re-aspirated. They will include viruses, micro organism, and fungi. Contaminants can journey as much as 30 toes and be present in areas that aren’t used for each day appointments.1,2
It is sensible that we must always try and remove or, at a minimal, decrease the variety of contaminants that come flying out of the mouth as aerosols. Some workplaces which might be pre-rinsing have used chlorhexidine or one other rinse that’s obtainable over-the-counter. That is higher than nothing. However these merchandise might solely kill micro organism and do nothing for viruses or fungi.
As we now have been made conscious about in latest days, the discount of viruses is vital to guard ourselves and our sufferers. To cut back danger, we should search for a pre-rinse that’s efficient in opposition to these pathogens.
Chlorine dioxide
When looking for chemical elements that kill viruses, fungi, and micro organism, few beat the oxidizing energy of chlorine dioxide. Surprisingly, chlorine dioxide is a gasoline. It has historic utilization and effectiveness in opposition to viruses, micro organism, and fungi, and is utilized in different industries to interrupt up biofilm. It and has been utilized by water therapy methods for years to maintain consuming water protected. It has additionally been used within the abatement of buildings throughout anthrax assaults, in addition to within the post-harvest of meals. In every of those circumstances, chlorine dioxide is chosen due to its distinctive and efficient elimination of microbes compared to different disinfectants. It particularly excels compared in its superiority to many different merchandise as a virucide.3 Amongst many dental professionals, activated chlorine dioxide is taken into account to be a super pre-rinse. Its capacity to successfully kill not solely micro organism, but in addition viruses and fungi, has many dental practices incorporating it into their each day routine of private protecting measures.
“Activated” versus “stabilized” chlorine dioxide
One thing to look out for is “stabilized” chlorine dioxide. This compound is, actually, sodium chlorite (a salt), however the phrase is usually used as a synonym for chlorine dioxide. The phrase “stabilized” describes a formulation that has the identical or comparable chemical properties to chlorine dioxide, which on this context is named “activated” chlorine dioxide. However the two are completely different.
Stabilized chlorine dioxide is ready by buffering sodium chlorite with carbonate or phosphate and hydrogen peroxide. This method stabilizes the chlorite. The ensuing compound doesn’t have the identical oxidizing properties. To make activated chlorine dioxide, two compounds are blended every time earlier than use. That combination of two liquids kinds the gasoline, and the gasoline that’s launched is activated chlorine dioxide.
A product that makes use of activated chlorine dioxide is OraCare. In-office makes use of embody pre-rinsing, post-rinsing, and irrigation. This product additionally incorporates xylitol as an lively ingredient. It will also be used for therapy of bleeding gums and periodontitis, in addition to for implant upkeep, dry mouth, dangerous breath, and mouth sores.
The takeaway
Now’s the time to take an introspective have a look at our day-to-day protecting measures. In actuality, we’re at all times in danger, and pre-rinsing is one essential step to guard ourselves.
References
- Lewis MA. Herpes simplex virus: An occupational hazard in dentistry. Int Dent J. 2004;54(2):103-111.
- Szymanska J. Dental bioaerosol as an occupational hazard in a dentist’s workplace. Ann Agric Environ Med. 2007;14(2):203-207.
- Disinfectants: Chlorine Dioxide. Lenntech. https://www.lenntech.com/processes/disinfection/chemical/disinfectants-chlorine-dioxide.htm
