Reducing contamination in your DUWLs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Citrisil tablets in controlling microbial contamination, preventing biofilm formation and enhancing biofilm removal from dental unit waterlines. Test materials included Citrisil™, Citrisil Shock™, Aseptisil™ liquid and Aseptisil™ powder. Sterilex-powder served as control during the shock treatment. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae were used to inoculate regular polyurethane dental tubing. Experiments were conducted using a dental unit waterline biocide test apparatus and methodology in the ANSI/ADA’s draft standard.

Overnight shock treatments were performed using biofilm accumulated tubing. Citrisil™ eradicated 1x105 bacteria from the inocula (p<0.001). Biofilm TVC data showed significant differences between the control and Citrisil group (p=0.029). Citrisil Shock, Aseptisil liquid and Aseptisil powder effectively eradicated planktonic cells from tubing effluent and biofilm TVC during the shock treatments. The results were comparable to Sterilex treatments. A single treatment of 10 minutes with Aseptisil liquid or Aseptisil powder killed all planktonic bacteria. Daily use of Citrisil effectively controls opportunistic pathogenic contamination and prevents biofilm formation. Citrisil Shock, Aseptisil liquid and Aseptisil powder are capable of inactivating biofilm and keeping tubing uncontaminated.