The effect of a disinfectant/coolant irrigant on microbes isolated from dental unit water lines

The purpose of this study was to assess water samples from a hospital dental clinic to determine whether a disinfectant/coolant irrigant containing chlorhexidine (Lines, Micrylium Laboratories) affects the presence of microbial organisms in dental unit waterlines. Water samples from three hospital dental operatories were collected at baseline and after overnight treatment with a disinfectant-containing irrigant followed by sterile water irrigation. Saliva of treated patients and sterile water rinse specimens were collected from the waterlines of these operatories for three consecutive days, then weekly for eight weeks after treatment. Specimens were cultured to identify total heterotrophic plate counts as well as presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida species. Baseline organism counts varied from 10(3) to 10(5) colony-forming units per milliliter. After treatment, no organisms were detected in waterline discharge. Decontamination of dental unit waterlines is possible using a disinfectant/irrigant followed by sterile water irrigation. The potential for contamination of the lines from patients' saliva may have been reduced due to use of anti-retraction valves and the disinfectant/sterile water irrigation, as conducted in this study.