TO DETERMINE THE EFFICACY OF 0.12%CHLORHEXIDINE MOUTHRINSES IN REDUCING VIABLE BACTERIAL COUNT IN DENTAL AEROSOLS WHEN USED AS A PREPROCEDURAL RINSE DURING THE PANDEMIC ERA -A PROSPECTIVE CLINICAL PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Background: In dentistry , aerosols being the major concerns that brings about transmission of infectious agents and harmful to patients and dentists . Thus the vigilant use of barriers, appropriate immunisation procedures all could safeguard the dental fraternity from the ill effects of aerosols. Aim: To Determine The Efficacy of 0.12% chlorhexidine mouth rinse as preprocedural rinse in reduction of bacterial aerosol contamination generated during Ultrasonic scaling in a closed operatory and compared with1% Povidone iodine rinse and without preprocedural rinse. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients were selected from Department of Periodontics, Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital, Chennai. The subjects were grouped into A -10 patients each receive 1% POVIDINE IODINE mouth rinse and Group B of 10 patients received 0.12% CHLORHEXIDINE mouth rinse respectively as a pre-procedural rinse. Group C 10 patients without preprocedural rinse. The aerosols produced by the ultrasonic unit were collected on blood agar plates placed at 8 standard positions around the dental chair. These plates were sent for microbiologic analysis for the assessment of bacterial Colony Forming Units (CFUs) was evaluated and statistically analysed. Results: The significance of the study was both the mouthrinses reduced the bacterial colony forming units (CFUs) in aerosol samples. 0.12%Chlorhexidine mouth rinses were found to be superior to 1%Povidone iodine in reducing aerosolized bacteria when used preprocedurally. Conclusion: The study highlights the efficacy of preprocedural mouth rinses , during any dental treatment which generates aerosols, reduces the risk of cross- contamination within the dental operatory