Everyone knows the importance of dental sterilization equipment in any oral procedure. The medical definition of sterilization is “the act of destroying microorganisms and their pathogenic products using heat, water, chemicals, or gasses.” This has been proven to be the safest way in preventing the spread of disease. This is also why dental autoclaves and sterilizers are such important pieces of dental equipment. 

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that we carry, please call toll free 1-877-522-2323

The mouth is a home for many organisms that move from the teeth, gums, tongue, and even lips. As you can see, the mouth is a vessel for organisms to flourish, but there are two specific types of bacteria in the mouth that give dentist cause for concern. Preventing the growth and spread of these microorganisms are two reasons why dental sterilization is so essential.

The most common microorganisms carried within the mouth come from dental caries or tooth decay and periodontal disease. Tooth decay is caused by streptococcus mutans, an acid-carrying bacterium which reacts to carbohydrates in the mouth. Carbohydrates break down to sugar. The bacterium attaches to the teeth and will latch on to the sugar; this reaction causes the breakdown of the enamel which leads to tooth to decay. 

The second most common bacteria are precipitated by plaque buildup on the teeth which can spread to the gums and cause gingivitis.  Gingivitis is a gum disease that can cause the gums to become red, inflamed, and even bleed. Gingivitis treatment is necessary to prevent the disease periodontitis from occurring. In this disease, the gums separate from the teeth and form infectious pockets. The word periodontitis literally means “inflammation around the tooth.” Though the body’s immune system instinctively fights these bacteria, the process produces toxins that begin to break down the bone and surrounding tissue. The support system for the teeth can eventually be destroyed if this goes untreated. The result of this is the loss of the tooth or even teeth.

Many times bacteria found inside the mouth originate from a person’s bloodstream. These are called blood borne pathogens or diseases within the blood. Other forms of bacteria or disease spreading microorganisms include influenza, the common cold or a sore throat. These are just a few of the pathogens that necessitate a thorough dental sterilization process in every general or cosmetic dentistry practice.

Knowing that dentists use several different tools to do a myriad of procedures, it is very important that these instruments are sterilized so diseases do not spread to other people. There are other concerns, such as, blood borne pathogens which are diseases that spread through the blood stream. Without the proper dental sterilization, these diseases may spread, as well.

There are three specific ways dental tools may be sterilized include the following methods:

1.       Dry Heat: high temperatures to destroy bacteria or microorganisms.

2.       Steam: autoclaves use temperature and pressure to destroy microorganisms within a certain time frame, the more pressure the less time.

3.       Heated Chemical: a chemical mixture forms a gas when heated that sterilizes the instrument.

All of these processes are effective ways to stop the spreading of disease, but one should also remember the importance of soaking dental instruments in disinfecting solutions and cleaning them prior to dental sterilization. The blood and particles need to be removed to provide the best prevention of diseases. All staff and dentists must also thoroughly wash their hands and wear gloves when working with patients and instruments for their own safety as well as that of the patients.

For a FREE QUOTE or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free 1-877-522-2323