Aerosols in dentistry – microbes, disease transmission and infection control

Aerosol formation in dental practice is almost inevitable and the potential risk of acquiring an infection due to airborne pathogens is very high Dental procedures involving use of ultrasonics, air polishing, use of airotors and micromotors, air-water syringes and lasers emit large amount of aerosol and microbial pathogens from saliva, dental unit waterlines and respiratory tract Depending on the nature of the bacteria/virus/fungi in the aerosol and its pathogenic nature, the microbe travels through the lung alveoli and affects the upper/lower respiratory system The recent episode of COVID has driven further fear among dental professionals, as the virus sheds into air and transmits the disease As dental professionals, it is essential that we take steps to prevent transmission by following universal precautions and social precautionary measures This review revisits on the physics of aerosol formation, spatial microbiome in aerosol, the types of pathogens associated with dental procedures, risk of disease getting transmitted to dental healthcare workers and infection control