SEARCH FOR AGENTS AND STUDY OF BIOCIDAL ACTION OF VARIOUS SUBSTANCES TO REDUCE MICROBIAL LOAD IN DENTAL OFFICES

Abstract

Dentists are exposed to a large number of dust particles while performing dental procedures, which can adversely affect their health. The risk of bacterial and viral infections is also high among dental personnel. Objective. To summarize current scientific literature data on the impact of dental dust on dentists and propose protective measures to reduce its harmfulness through the use of pre-procedural mouth rinsing and antimicrobial solution dispersion in dentists' working environment. Materials and Methods. Methods of information retrieval and analysis of scientific data, microbiological studies were used. Results and Discussion. A study was conducted on the range of finished medicinal products for topical use in dentistry available on the Ukrainian pharmaceutical market as of December 2024, and scientific literature data on the development of new medicinal products of this type of action were analyzed. It was found that synthetic medicinal products occupy the leading position, while herbal medicinal products represent approximately one-third of the total number of medicinal products, though most of them are produced by domestic manufacturers. The leaders among medicinal plants, extracts, and essential oils included in herbal medicinal products for topical use in dentistry, by frequency of use, are: Eucalyptus viminalis, Calendula officinalis, Matricaria chamomilla, and Salvia officinalis. Manufacturers of medicinal products primarily produce them in the form of medicinal plant raw materials for preparing infusions and decoctions, tinctures, and less frequently tablets or sprays. Essential oils are most commonly used for air dispersion in the working environment due to their high biological activity. In order to select agents for pre-procedural mouth rinsing and air dispersion in the dentists' working environment, several solutions in various concentrations were studied with substances of natural origin – rhamnolipids, propolis tincture, cinnamon oil, and synthetic agents – cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine bigluconate, as well as solutions with combination of rhamnolipids and the above mentioned antimicrobial agents. Conclusions. The combination of pre-procedural mouth rinsing with air dispersion of essential oil using an air purifier with a humidifier can reduce the harmful effects of dental dust on dentists. The results of the microbiological study prove the promising use of cinnamon oil for air dispersion in the working environment to reduce microbial load in dental offices. The use of rhamnolipids at concentrations of 0.1-0.5 g/L does not show significant antimicrobial activity against the test microorganism S. aureus and does not seriously affect the enhancement of antimicrobial activity of other agents; however, considering their surface activity, they may promote solubilization and precipitation of dental dust particles, which requires further research.