To evaluate and compare the efficacy of preprocedural mouthrinses (chlorhexidine digluconate and tea tree oil) in reducing microbial content of aerosol product during ultrasonic scaling procedures by viable bacterial count.

It was a randomized single blind, placebocontrolled parallel group study.

Sixty subjects were randomly assigned to rinse 10 ml of any one of the mouthrinses (chlorhexidine digluconate or tea tree oil or distilled water). Ultrasonic scaling was done for a period of 10 minutes in presence of trypticase soy agar plates placed at standardized distance. Plates were then sent for microbiological evaluation for the aerosol produced.

This study showed that all the antiseptic mouthwashes significantly reduced the bacterial colony forming units (CFUs) in aerosol samples. Chlorhexidine rinses were found to be superior to tea tree when used preprocedurally in reducing aerolized bacteria.

This study advocates preprocedural dural rinsing with an effective antimicrobial mouthrinse during any dental treatment which generates aerosols, reduces the risk of crosscontamination with infectious agents in the dental operatory.

The aerolization of oral microbes occurring during dental procedures can potentially result in cross-contamination in the dental operatory and transmission of infectious agents to both dental professionals and patient. It is reasonable to assume therefore, that any stratagem for reducing the viable bacterial content of these aerosols could lower the risk of cross-contamination.

Shetty SK, Sharath K, Shenoy S, Sreekumar C, Shetty RN, Biju T. Compare the Efficacy of Two Commercially Available Mouthrinses in reducing Viable Bacterial Count in Dental Aerosol produced during Ultrasonic Scaling when used as a Preprocedural Rinse. J Contemp Dent Pract 2013;14(5):848-851.