Wet, used towels left in the gym. Dirty tissues discarded by someone suffering from a nasty cold. A toothbrush discovered in a hotel room. Most of us would never use or even touch these items. But without knowing it, we may be sharing something that could be just as disgusting and potentially dangerous. When we visit a dental office and a bib chain that is not sterilized between patients is placed around our neck, we may be unwittingly exposed to pseudomonas, E. coli and S. aureus the most common cause of staph infections and a potential "superbug."
Noel Kelsch, a national infection control columnist, Registered Dental Hygienist and former President of the California Dental Hygienists' Association, conducted a study on various types of dental chains and clips after seeing debris falling from a chain she had planned to use to protect her uniform at lunch. What she found led her to pen a column titled "Don't Clip that Crud on Me" for RDH Magazine, a trade publication for dental hygienists.
"The more crevices and indentations on a clip or a chain, the higher the contaminant count," she says. As expected, disposable clips and holders opened fresh for each patient, were free from contaminants and posed no cross-contamination threats. "As an advocate for patient safety within our profession, I think it's very important to take whatever steps we can to eliminate sources of potential harm for our patients."
Her findings echoed a study conducted by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Dentistry Oral Microbiology Lab that found bib chains and clips are potential sources of contamination. In sampling 50 bib clips from various hygiene and dental operations, researchers discovered one in five bib clips were contaminated with "significant microorganisms," according to Dental Health Magazine.
In a supplement to the March 2011 issue of Dimensions of Dental Hygiene titled "Infection Control Update," Dr. John Molinari, an international expert in the areas of infection control and infectious disease in dentistry, referenced a study he conducted that looked at the presence and composition of bacterial contaminants on patient bib chains before and after patient care appointments. His results showed that microbial contamination was present on both metal and coiled plastic bib chains after use during patient care, with the highest bacteria levels found on bib chains that were not cleaned between patient uses.
"Society is putting an emphasis on healthier living," Kelsch says. "We're seeing an increased awareness of infection control and disease prevention everywhere we look. Grocery stores provide hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes for cart handles; health clubs provide disinfectant sprays so you can clean up equipment after you've used it. If you take the trouble to do those things then one simple solution to protect yourself from dirty bib chains is to insist on disposable bib holders."
In addition to providing patients with a safer dental visit, Kelsch notes that disposable dental bib holders are critical tools in the fight against the creation of more "superbugs."
"If the infection route dirty dental chains is destroyed, the infection is not spread," she says. "No infection means no antibiotics, and the improper use of antibiotics is what contributes to the creation of superbugs."
COVID-19 Harmonization: Balancing Risks and Benefits of CDC's Latest Move
March 11th 2024The CDC's recent decision to align recommendations for respiratory viruses, particularly COVID-19, has garnered support from the public and infectious disease societies. However, as the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) lends its backing to the CDC's harmonization efforts, concerns persist regarding the implications of this shift, especially considering the Omicron variant's unique characteristics and the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19's multi-system impacts.
Voices of Resilience: Q&A With the Editor of "Corona City: Voices From an Epicenter"
March 1st 2024Step into the diverse and poignant world of "Corona City: Voices From an Epicenter" with editor Lorraine Ash, MA. In this insightful Q&A, learn about the origins of this remarkable anthology, the challenges faced in capturing raw, unfiltered narratives of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lasting impact of these stories on readers and communities alike.
Rare Disease Day 2024: Spotlight on Rare Infectious Diseases
February 29th 2024Rare Disease Day on February 29, 2024, shines a global light on the impact of rare diseases, including rare infectious diseases. With a focus on early diagnosis and treatment access, this day highlights the struggles of those with rare conditions.
COVID-19 Realities: Beyond a Respiratory Virus, Addressing Optimism in Pandemic Management
February 28th 2024A recent commentary by Dr. Amesh Adalja in MedPage Today challenges the perception of COVID-19 as solely a respiratory virus, highlighting its broader impact on the body. This analysis questions the notion that COVID-19 should be managed like common respiratory infections, urging a closer look at vaccine effectiveness, the rise of long COVID, and the need for enhanced measures to curb the virus's spread. Let's explore the complexities of COVID-19 management and the pressing realities faced by the US and the world.