title: Microbiological assessment of aerosol generated during debond of fixed orthodontic appliances.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aims of this study were to describe bacterial load and diversity of the aerosol created during enamel cleanup after the removal of fixed orthodontic appliances and to assess the effect of a preprocedural mouth rinse.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study involved the sampling of ambient air adjacent to the patient's mouth during adhesive removal using a slow-speed handpiece and a spiral fluted tungsten carbide bur without water irrigation. Sampling was carried out during enamel cleanup with or without a preprocedural mouth rinse of either sterile water or chlorhexidine. Airborne particles were collected using a viable inertial impactor simulating the human respiratory tree. The bacteria collected were analyzed using both culture and molecular techniques.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Bacteria produced during debond and enamel cleanup can reach all levels of the respiratory tree. The use of a preprocedural mouth rinse, either sterile water or chlorhexidine, increased the numbers and diversity of the bacteria in the air.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  When using a slow-speed handpiece and a spiral fluted tungsten carbide bur for enamel cleanup after orthodontic treatment, the bacterial load and diversity of the aerosol produced are lower when a preprocedural mouth rinse is not used.
authors.affiliation: Specialty registrar, School of Oral and Dental Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dawson
authors.affiliation: Research technician in microbiology, School of Oral and Dental Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Valeria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Soro
authors.affiliation: Senior lecturer in oral microbiology, School of Oral and Dental Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dymock
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Price
authors.affiliation: Consultant orthodontist, Department of Orthodontics, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Griffiths
authors.affiliation: Clinical teacher, School of Oral and Dental Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dudding
authors.affiliation: Professor, School of Oral and Dental Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Jonathan R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Sandy
authors.affiliation: Professor, School of Oral and Dental Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom. Electronic address: tony.ireland@bristol.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Anthony J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Ireland
mesh_terms: D000336:Aerosols; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017005:Dental Debonding / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000382:microbiology; D004586:Electrophoresis / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols; D009067:Mouthwashes; D002710:Chlorhexidine