Effects of a CHlorhexidine Disinfectant for Dental Unit Waterlines

Biofilms occurring in dental unit water lines have been discussed as sources for potential infections. In recent years ,there has been progress in developing reliable methods to prevent the formation of DUWL microbial accumulation. Objectives: of this study was to investigate the routine of CHX 0.05% dental unit treatment to reduce the colonization and growth of heterotrophic bacteria. Methods: Ten dental units were two times treated, before and after flushed with NaCl 0.9% .Water samples were collected before and after flushed with NaCl 0.9% and with CHX 0.05% . A serial dilution was made, followed by pouring on blood agar medium and incubated in a anaerobic chamber for 72 hours. Data obtained were analysis in a descriptive and “t” test. Results: showed that there is no significant different in the average amount of bacterial colony forming units (CFU) between before and after flushed with Na Cl 0.9% .Where as, a significant difference was found respectively as a results of before and after flushed with CHX 0.05 %, after flushed with Na Cl 0.9% as well as CHX 0.05%. Conclusion: Therefore it could be concluded that Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.05 % dental unit water line treatment achieved the ADA goal of less than 200 CFU of heterotrophic , mesophilic bacteria per ml of unfiltered out put water.