MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION OF DENTAL UNIT WATER LINE

Abstract

Dental unit waterlines (DUWL) are an integral part of dental surgery equipment, supplying water as a coolant, primarily for air turbine and ultrasonic scalers. Dental unit water lines (DUWL) used to irrigate the oral cavity during routine dental practice is highly contaminated. Concern about indoor air quality is increasing, and more attention is being laid on the aerosol and splatter produced during dental procedures ¹. The source of bacterial contamination within the dental unit water supply is thought to be caused by micro-colonies of proliferating bacteria, fungi and protozoa on the inner surface of the water lines, forming a biofilm².The unique feature of dental chair water lines is the capacity for rapid development of a biofilm on the dental water supply lines combined with the generation of potentially contaminated aerosols. The present review emphasizes the underlying biological cause of waterline colonisation by microorganisms, the evidence of potential health consequences and possible means of improving the quality of dental water.