ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study aimed to test the face seal of a surgical mask modified using a custom-made mask fitter or by sealing all borders with micropore tape, in comparison to the N95 mask as a gold standard. METHODS: Fifteen participants were assigned to wear an N95 mask, a surgical mask sealed with a mask fitter, and a surgical mask sealed with micropore tape. A quantitative fit test was performed using a Portacount respirator fit tester in 4 different actions: bending over, talking, moving the head from side to side, and moving the head up and down. RESULTS: The N95 showed the highest overall fit factor score (134.67 ± 66.62), passing Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. The surgical mask alone had the lowest overall fit factor score of 4.73 ± 3.30. Modification of the surgical mask using a mask fitter or micropore tape significantly increased the overall fit factor to 35.33 ± 14.58 and 29.33 ± 9.73, respectively. This pattern was similar for all exercises. CONCLUSION: The N95 was the only mask type that passed the OSHA standard for protection. Use of a mask fitter or micropore tape significantly increased the face seal of a surgical mask. This could offer useful levels of protection during a non-aerosol dental procedure.
Subject(s)
Occupational Exposure , Respiratory Protective Devices , Equipment Design , Humans , Occupational Exposure/prevention & controlABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this randomized crossover designed study was to compare the efficacy of plaque removal between a triple-headed toothbrush and a conventional single-headed toothbrush in 4-6-year-old children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 73 children, aged 4-6 years, were randomly divided into two groups (triple-headed toothbrush and conventional single-headed toothbrush). The children were instructed on how to use the toothbrush by watching a video clip for each toothbrush type and then brushed their teeth for 2 min. The remained plaque was recorded by Greene and Vermillion plaque index (PI). After a 3-week washout period, the toothbrush type was switched, the children brushed their teeth with the alternate toothbrush, and the PI scores were re-recorded. RESULTS: Plaque scores in the triple-headed toothbrush group were statistically significantly lower than those in the single-headed group in almost all (10 out or 12) surfaces measured (P < 0.05). Plaque scores were not significantly different on the buccal surfaces of the upper posterior teeth. CONCLUSION: The triple-headed toothbrush showed better efficacy in plaque removal and could potentially be a good alternative to the conventional single-headed toothbrush in young children with limited hand skill.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the timing of colonization of streptococci mutans (SM) in 2- to 36-month-old Thai children. METHODS: Two hundred and two 2- to 36-month-old children were divided into 3 groups: group 1 = 84 predentate children; group 2 = 68 children with 1 to 8 erupted teeth; and group 3 = 50 children with 9 to 20 erupted teeth. Microbiological samples were obtained from children by cotton swab. Samples were diluted and plated on mitis salivarius agar supplemented with Baocitracin (MSB) for selection and enumeration of SM. RESULTS: SM colonization was found in 26% of children, who had a mean age in months of 20.5 +/- 103 (SD). MS colonization was detected in 5% of predentate children and was detected in children as young as 2 months old. The percentage of children who were colonized with SM rose significantly with increasing age and numbers of erupted teeth (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Streptococci mutans colonization in 2- to 36-month-old Thai children was found in predentate children and detected in children as young as 2 months old. The results suggest that prevention of early SM colonization in some populations may need to be initiated prior to tooth eruption.
