Protocol with non-toxic chemicals to control biofilm in dental unit waterlines: physical, chemical, mechanical and biological perspective

Abstract

Biosafety in dentistry aims to combat cross-contamination and biofilm in dental unit waterlines. The aim was to investigate from a physical, chemical, mechanical and biological perspective, a protocol for using chemical products (citric acid, sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride) to improve and maintain water quality in dental unit waterlines. Change in microhardness and corrosion tendency were observed in stainless steel samples. On the polyurethane surfaces, there were changes in color, microhardness and roughness. Anti-biofilm evaluations revealed a significant reduction in the biofilm biomass, metabolic activity and residual biofilm. These findings suggest that the protocol analyzed in this study showed an innovative potential against biofilm in dental unit waterlines, preserving the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the materials.

Keywords:

• Biofilm
• control of water contamination
• disinfection
• dental unit waterlines
• chemicals

Disclosure statement

The authors report no potential conflict of interest.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author (EW).

Additional information

Funding

The authors are grateful for financial support from CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel – Brazil) [Finance Code 001].