European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Aim: Purpose of the research was to assess the amount of microbial accumulation and further disinfection of mouthguards usually used in sports. Methodology: Decontaminating effect of diverse substances on EVA mouthguards hitherto contaminated with saliva and broth culture of Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. Afterwards, the mouthguards were undertaken to the following treatments solutions (A) Untreated; (B) 5 min with sterilized distilled water (C) 5 min with H2O2 (D) 5 min with a physiological solution (E) toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste (F) 5 min with 0.5% NaOCl. Results: The maximum efficacy against E. faecalis was demonstrated by H2O2 (84.19% bacterial load reduction). H2O2 showed a better reduction of salivary cell load. The maximum efficacy against C. albicans was seen when immersed in 0.5% NaOCl which caused a 92.95% decrease of cell load. Conclusion: Hydrogen peroxide, 0.5% sodium hypochlorite allowed to obtain an optimum disinfection of the mouthguard.

Infection control practices are important in a clinical setup to avoid the risk of infection among the patients and practitioners. Proper infection control measures such as proper basic disposal and sterilization of instruments that are basic infection control measures should be directly followed in a clinical setup. This study aims to access the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding occupational hazards and infection control measures among dental students. The study was conducted among dental undergraduates and postgraduates.The study group consisted of 3rd year, 4th year and Interns and Postgraduate students. Total number of students included in the study was 121 participants. The data was collected and analysed through IBM SPSS statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics were done. About 90.9% of the dental students answered that the dental clinics are more prone for infectious disease. Among all the dental students, 76.9% of the students experienced the accidental injury in clinics. Among them 44.6% of the students reported that needle injury was the cause for the occupational injury followed by 21.5% of scalpel blade, 4.1% of burs. About 11.4% of dental students were not immunized against Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Among them who received vaccination, 43.8% of them had completed the three recommended doses of HBV vaccination. The students know the importance of infection control and the knowledge among all students about the protocols about infection control was high but practice was quite low. A better knowledge of infection control is essential for safe practice in dentistry. This will ensure the provision of better and safer dental health-care service for the population.

Dental impressions are categorized under semi-critical objects in dental practice and require high level
disinfection or sterilization. Sterilization in an autoclave will compromise the dimensional accuracy of the
impression hence it is not feasible. Until 1991, the recommended procedure for disinfection of impression
was rinsing under running water with which only 40% of bacteria, viruses and fungi were removed and
potential for transmission of microorganisms remained there. In recent times, a pre wash of the impression
with running water is advocated first to cast off all particles, blood and saliva prior to active disinfection
procedure. Disinfection of dental impression should be a routine procedure in the dental office and dental
laboratory. However, most of the dental professionals in private clinics, hospitals, dental schools and
prosthetic laboratories are not following the required protocols for impression disinfection. Keeping in
view the above findings, it is of utmost importance to raise the level of awareness in dental professionals
involved in any process of handling, transportation, processing and storage of the dental impressions.
With this background ,the aim of this review is to generate an update on the various techniques of
impression disinfection along with their mechanism of action , dimensional stability ,cause of infection on
impression material and effects of disinfectant on impression materials.

Dental impressions are categorized under semi-critical objects in dental practice and require high level disinfection or sterilization. Sterilization in an autoclave will compromise the dimensional accuracy of the impression hence it is not feasible. Until 1991, the recommended procedure for disinfection of impression was rinsing under running water with which only 40% of bacteria, viruses and fungi were removed and potential for transmission of microorganisms remained there. In recent times, a pre wash of the impression with running water is advocated first to cast off all particles, blood and saliva prior to active disinfection procedure. Disinfection of dental impression should be a routine procedure in the dental office and dental laboratory. However, most of the dental professionals in private clinics, hospitals, dental schools and prosthetic laboratories are not following the required protocols for impression disinfection. Keeping in view the above findings, it is of utmost importance to raise the level of awareness in dental professionals involved in any process of handling, transportation, processing and storage of the dental impressions.
With this background ,the aim of this review is to generate an update on the various techniques of impression disinfection along with their mechanism of action , dimensional stability ,cause of infection on impression material and effects of disinfectant on impression materials.