An investigation of the efficacy of super-oxidised (Optident/Sterilox) water for the disinfection of dental unit water lines.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of super-oxidised water (Optident/Sterilox) in the decontamination of dental unit water lines.


METHODS
Dental units (10) were first purged with concentrated super-oxidised water. After purging, a 5% (v/v) super-oxidised water was used as a maintenance dose. Samples for microbiology were taken after 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7 d, and each week for a further 13 weeks.


RESULTS
After purging, 5% (v/v) super-oxidised water was successful in reducing the microbial counts to zero, although in three of the units some bacteria were intermittently isolated in the first week of treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Super-oxidised water was successful in the removal of bacteria from dental unit water supplies. Complete removal required the treatment with a purge phase of concentrated disinfectant and a maintenance phase of at least two weeks.
Martin
M V
MV
Department of Clinical Dental Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK. m.v.martin@liverpool.ac.uk
Gallagher
M A
MA
D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003666:Decontamination / Q000379:methods; D019551:Dental Disinfectants; D003748:Dental Equipment; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014871:Water Microbiology; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*
D019551:Dental Disinfectants; C118085:superoxidized water; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide