Detection of infectious droplets during dental treatment and care using new method

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K10402
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 58010:Medical management and medical sociology-related
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University
• Principal Investigator: TAKEMOTO Toshinobu 広島大学, 医系科学研究科(歯), 教授 (00236506)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 仁井谷 善恵 広島大学, 医系科学研究科(歯), 助教 (40403505)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 歯科 / 飛沫感染 / 感染対策 / 新規検出法 / 口腔ケア

Outline of Final Research Achievements

For evidence construction about dental practice, one of droplet infection in the care which attracted attention at the time of a spread of COVID-19, We searched it by the new detection method using the printing paper with the dye system ink. We measured toothbrushing (hand, electric brush), ultrasonic scaler, a furnisher, a three-way syringe, air turbine cutting. Scattering of the droplets was detected in very far place by air-turbine (60cm) or hand polishing by dental staff (77.5cm). In addition, by the air turbine, a droplets prevention effect by the extra/intra oral vacuum is not seen at all. It was revealed that the review of preventive measures against infectious droplets carried out in dental clinic is necessary now.

Free Research Field

口腔保健学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

歯科医療における感染性飛沫の飛散に関しては，特に飛散範囲についてのエビデンスがほとんど存在せず，飛沫感染に対する対策は，医療従事者の経験をもとに実施されていたと言える。本研究で，実際に，歯科医療における感染性飛沫の飛散が現状の感染対策では防ぎきれていないことを示したことで，今後の感染性飛沫による感染に対する対策の改善について，大きなエビデンスを提供するもので，COVID-19蔓延以来重要視されている飛沫感染防止の面で，歯科に限らず，医療全体や社会的にも大きな意義がある。