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.
Highlights
Professional preventive dental care is an important component of the maintenance of oral health for many individuals
This in vitro research revealed that oscillating-rotating electric toothbrushes produce few droplets when used for demonstration purposes with various liquids
These droplet sizes can be categorized as “splatter”, and no significant incremental aerosol-sized particles were detected during toothbrush operation in any of the protocols
Summary
Professional preventive dental care is an important component of the maintenance of oral health for many individuals During these preventive visits, as well as during those necessary for treatment, patients usually receive guidance on oral hygiene procedures and recommendations for their self-care at home. Dental professionals utilize a demonstration rechargeable handle, brush heads and disposable sheaths, along with a protocol for providing hygienic electric toothbrushing advice to patients [2]. This procedure introduces patients to the oscillatingrotating electric toothbrush technology, which has been clinically proven to deliver superior plaque and gingival health outcomes versus manual toothbrushes [3,4,5]
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