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Air particulate concentration during orthodontic procedures: a pilot study
Inmaculada Martín-Quintero1,2, Alberto Cervera-Sabater3, Víctor Tapias-Perero4
1Department of Orthodontics, Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio, Madrid, Spain. mquinmar@myuax.com.
BMC Oral Health
|July 22, 2021
Summary
Dental procedures, especially orthodontic treatments, significantly increase airborne particles in treatment rooms. Higher relative humidity correlates with increased particle generation, posing a risk to respiratory health.
Area of Science:
- Dental aerosol science
- Environmental monitoring in healthcare settings
Background:
- Dental procedures, particularly orthodontic treatments, can generate significant airborne particles.
- Environmental factors like temperature and relative humidity within dental cabinets may influence particle dispersion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate particle dispersion during orthodontic treatments.
- To investigate the impact of temperature and relative humidity on particle concentration in dental settings.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study utilized a particle counter to record particle levels, temperature, and relative humidity during 98 orthodontic appointments.
- Control records were established before clinical activity.
- Statistical analysis included differential descriptive procedures and regression modeling to assess the relationship between humidity and particle concentration.
Main Results:
- Particle counts, relative humidity, and ambient temperature were significantly higher during appointments compared to control conditions (p < .001).
- An exponential relationship was identified between relative humidity and particle number.
- Particle concentration, especially for particles of 0.3 microns, increased during treatment.
Conclusions:
- Dental patient entry and orthodontic procedures substantially increase airborne particle load.
- Elevated relative humidity is linked to increased particle formation.
- Further research is recommended due to study limitations including sample size and procedural variations.
