Droplet Sizes Emitted from Demonstration Electric Toothbrushes.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
; 18(5)2021 02 26.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1154358
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn attention to microbial transmission risk via aerosols in dental practice. Demonstration electric toothbrushes are used intra-orally for education. The aim of this investigation was to measure the size of droplets emitted by the brush head of two demonstration oscillating-rotating electric toothbrushes. Measurement of droplet production and size was recorded in vitro using three methods:
(1) Malvern Spraytec (LASER particle size measurement device with detectable particle size of 0.1-2500 µm) and brushes mounted on a 3D-printed, two-shell form-fit fixture with a supply of tap water; (2) a DustTrak aerosol measurement device and toothpaste slurry, with brushing simulated in the oral cavity of a phantom head; (3) high-speed visualization in a simulated-use situation in the oral cavity of a phantom head, with individual evaluation of tap water, water with detergent, 70% ethanol, glycerin and toothpaste slurry. Both brushes showed the size of emitted droplets was consistently between 200 and 1200 µm, categorized as splatter (dental aerosols are <50 µm diameter). No significant incremental aerosol-sized matter was detected during toothbrush operation. The high-speed video visualization confirmed only splatter-sized droplets during operation. These findings indicate that oscillating-rotating toothbrushes do not produce aerosol-sized particles during simulated use.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Toothbrushing
/
Aerosols
/
Dental Equipment
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Prognostic study
Language:
English
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Ijerph18052320
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