Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
09:44
Oral Biofilm Analysis of Palatal Expanders by Fluorescence In-Situ Hybridization and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy
Published on: October 20, 2011
Environmental microbial contamination in dental setting: a local experience
M Guida1, F Gallé, V Di Onofrio
1Department of Structural and Functional Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Italy.
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene
|March 9, 2013
Summary
Environmental monitoring in dental settings revealed that microbial buildup on surfaces is a critical risk factor. Improving disinfection and air treatment is essential for patient and operator safety in dental practices.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Dental hygiene
- Infection control
Background:
- Dental practices pose an infective risk to patients and staff due to airborne microorganisms.
- Environmental microbiological monitoring is crucial for identifying critical contamination situations in dental settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the level of environmental microbial contamination in a community-based dental facility.
- To evaluate microbial levels on water, air, and surfaces using standardized protocols.
Main Methods:
- Samples of water, air, and surfaces were collected over four weeks in a dental clinic.
- Microbial contamination was assessed before, during, and after daily activities.
- Air sampling utilized both active and passive methods.
Main Results:
- Water contamination decreased during activities, while air contamination decreased only at day's end.
- Surface contamination increased by the end of daily activities.
- Passive air sampling frequently exceeded recommended threshold values.
Conclusions:
- Microbial buildup on surfaces is the primary concern in the analyzed dental clinic.
- Enhanced disinfection procedures and air treatment systems are necessary.
- Microbiological monitoring aids in identifying risks and implementing control measures.
Related Concept Videos
01:27The Oral Microbiota
The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
01:22Microenvironments
Microorganisms inhabit highly localized spaces known as microenvironments, which are defined by distinct physical and chemical characteristics. These include oxygen concentration, pH, temperature, light availability, and nutrient levels. The conditions within a microenvironment can differ markedly from those in the surrounding area and significantly influence microbial growth, metabolism, and community structure.Microenvironments often display sharp physicochemical gradients over small spatial...
01:30Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...
01:29Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more like...
01:22Microbiome of the Eye
The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...