Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in treatment and non-treatment areas (waiting room and hallway) at the dental clinics, Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, HoChiMinh city, Vietnam in year 2012 (rinse group). Before each treatment, patients rinsed with antiseptic mouthwash (Listerine, J&J). 126 Blood agar plates were used to evaluate air samples and the ones were placed at two sites (front and back of patients) over three times, before, during and after treatment. Dental procedures included ultrasonic scaling, fillings, restorations, extraction and extraction of wisdom teeth. The number of CFU was counted on each plate after incubation. Data of air contamination in year 2008 (without using antiseptic mouthwash) was used as control group (Non-rinse group).
Results: The results showed that the mean of number of CFU in the air was highest at the time of treatment in all treatment areas and lounges. The number of bacteria obtained at the position near the mouth of patients was higher than the position behind the patient. However, the study did not find any differences between different types of treatment on air quality.When patients rinse their mouth before treatment, the number of bacteria in the air at the time of treatment decreased in every position from 18 to 53% (including non-treatment areas). Compared with non-rinse group, the decrease in the amount of bacteria was most significant in the centre of excellence. The number of bacteria in the air collected at position near the mouth and behind the patient were lower than in non-rinse group, with the most significant reduction of bacteria in the centre of excellence.
Conclusions: Further research could be needed to investigate related factors and appropriate methods to have better infection control.