Open AccessUpdate on infectious risks associated with dental unit waterlines
Author(s) -
Barbot Vanessa,
Robert Amélie,
Rodier MarieHélène,
Imbert Christine
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
fems immunology & medical microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1574-695X
pISSN - 0928-8244
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2012.00971.x
Subject(s) - biofilm , dental equipment , contamination , dental plaque , dentistry , biology , protozoa , water contamination , microorganism , dental health , infectious disease (medical specialty) , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , bacteria , pathology , ecology , disease , genetics
Modern dental chair units consist of a network of interconnected narrow‐bore plastic tubes called dental unit waterlines ( DUWL s). The water delivered by these DUWL s acts as both a coolant for a range of instruments and an irrigant during dental treatments. The quality of water is of considerable importance because both patients and dental team are regularly exposed to water and aerosols generated by dental equipment. Studies have demonstrated that DUWL s provide a favourable environment for microbial proliferation and biofilm formation, and that water is consequently often contaminated with high densities of various microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses). The presence of high levels of microbial contamination may be a health problem for dentists and patients, especially those who are immunocompromised. The current status of knowledge on microbial contamination of DUWL s is presented, with an emphasis on the infectious risk associated with DUWL s and on the various approaches for disinfecting and protecting DUWL s.