Last month I had a dental cleaning and Teeth in a Day consultation. I was concerned about the hygiene protocol for the dental office and wondered how they would handle it. When I confirmed the appointment, the receptionist told me to wait in the car when I arrived. They would text me when it’s time to come into the office. I was surprised, though, when I sat in the dental chair, that the hygienist handed me a cup with a solution of hydrogen peroxide to rinse out my mouth before treatment. She explained that it is a germ-killing precaution. I thought that this is a simple measure, but does it really work? Thanks. Natasha from Dallas
Natasha,
It is good to know that a medical or dental practice takes precautions to minimize exposure to the coronavirus. Your hygienist did the right thing before your dental cleaning appointment and Teeth in a Day consultation. Peroxide is an effective anti-microbial rinse.
Anti-Microbial Rinse for Dental Visits
Anti-microbial rinse kills oral micro-organisms. Dental offices use a higher concentration of peroxide than what you can buy over the counter. It quickly kills germs. The American Dental Association recommends at least 1.5% peroxide concentration, but most dental offices use an even higher concentration. Swishing it around in your mouth kills bacteria and viruses.
Dental hygiene schools teach hygienists to use an anti-microbial rinse before each appointment, but many dental practices didn’t implement it. Due to Covid-19, many states now require dental offices to use the rinse.
What About Aerosols?
But it is possible to control infectious aerosols released during dental procedures.
- High-volume suction equipment. While your dentist provides treatment, a dental assistant can hold a high-volume suction hose near your mouth and face to reduce aerosols by about 95%. But during a dental cleaning, a dental assistant is not present with the hygienist, so this method is not practical.
- Aerosol capture device. The device has a wide opening of a least one foot. The opening is positioned near your mouth to vacuum away aerosols into a filtered box.
If you decide that you want Teeth in a Day treatment to stabilize your denture, ask your dentist beforehand about the safety protocol during Covid-19. He or your oral surgeon will explain what they do to create a sanitary environment while placing your dental implants.
Gilberto Tostado, DDS, of San Antonio, TX, sponsors this post.