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Droplet Sizes Emitted from Demonstration Electric Toothbrushes
Erwin P Mark1, Michael A O Lewis2, Filippo Graziani3,4
1Research & Development, Procter & Gamble Service GmbH, German Innovation Center, Frankfurter Straße 145, 61476 Kronberg, Germany.
Summary
Demonstration electric toothbrushes, used for dental education, emit droplets between 200-1200 µm. These findings indicate that oscillating-rotating toothbrushes do not produce aerosol-sized particles during simulated use.
Area of Science:
- Dental hygiene
- Aerosol science
- Microbial transmission
Background:
- COVID-19 pandemic highlighted microbial transmission risks in dental settings.
- Demonstration electric toothbrushes are utilized for intra-oral education.
- Understanding droplet emission is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the size of droplets emitted by oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush heads.
- To determine if these devices generate aerosol-sized particles.
- To assess droplet characteristics during simulated dental education use.
Main Methods:
- Droplet size measurement using Malvern Spraytec and DustTrak devices.
- Simulated intra-oral use with a phantom head model.
- High-speed video visualization of droplet emission with various fluids.
Main Results:
- Emitted droplets ranged from 200 to 1200 µm, classified as splatter.
- No significant aerosol-sized particles (<50 µm) were detected.
- High-speed visualization confirmed only splatter-sized droplets.
Conclusions:
- Oscillating-rotating electric toothbrushes primarily produce splatter, not aerosols.
- Findings suggest minimal risk of aerosol-based microbial transmission from these devices.
- Further research may explore other electric toothbrush designs.
