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Electro-chemically activated water in dental unit water lines
1Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Pretoria.
British Dental Journal
|September 11, 1999
Summary
Electrochemically activated water effectively eliminated biofilm and reduced bacterial counts in dental unit water lines. Distilled water proved ineffective for controlling contamination in these systems.
Area of Science:
- Oral Health
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Dental unit water lines (DUWLs) are prone to biofilm contamination.
- Distilled water has been used but its efficacy in controlling microbial growth is questionable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of electrochemically activated water (ECA water) in managing biofilm contamination in DUWLs.
- To compare ECA water with distilled water for controlling bacterial counts and biofilm formation.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving thirteen dental units over four weeks.
- Group A used ECA water, while Group B initially used distilled water, later treated with disinfectants.
- Bacterial counts and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of tubing were performed.
Main Results:
- Both groups showed reduced bacterial counts.
- ECA water completely eliminated biofilm in Group A.
- Partial biofilm removal was observed in Group B.
Conclusions:
- Distilled water is ineffective for controlling bacterial counts and biofilm in DUWLs.
- ECA water demonstrates significant effectiveness in eradicating biofilm and reducing microbial contamination in DUWLs.
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