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What are biofilms?
Biofilms are microscopic communities that consist primarily of naturally occurring
water bacteria and fungi. They form thin layers on virtually all surfaces, including
dental water delivery systems. These common microbes or germs accumulate inside
things like showerheads, faucets and fountains, and in the thin tubes used
to deliver water in dental treatment.
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Will biofilms harm me?
Scientific reports have not linked illness
to water passing through dental waterlines.
In our environment, we are exposed to
countless germs or bacteria. Yet, exposure
to these common microbes does not mean
that an individual will get an infection
or a disease. However, when a person’s
immune system is compromised because
of age, smoking, heavy drinking, being
a transplant or cancer patient or because
of HIV infection, he or she may have
more difficulty fighting off the invading
germs. This is why the ADA encourages
patients who may have weakened immune
systems to inform their dentist at the
beginning of any treatment. That way,
the patient and dentist together can
make the right treatment decisions.
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What is the recommendation
for dental unit water quality?
The CDC recommends that dental unit water meet the standard set for drinking
water, which is a limit of 500 colony forming units of bacteria per milliliter of
water.
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Is the
water in my dentist’s office
safe?
Scientific reports have not linked illness
with water passing through dental waterlines.
However, patients should feel free to
ask their dentist about the quality of
their dental treatment water or any other
aspect of their practice. To help reduce
the number of microorganisms in treatment
water, the Association recommends that
dentists follow the infection control
guidelines of the CDC and ADA. This is
in addition to other precautions that
your dentist may have in place.
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What should patients know about waterlines?
Patients should always feel free to ask
their dentist about water quality or
any other aspect of their practice. Patients
also should inform their dentist of any
health problems and medications they
might be taking so the patient and dentist
can make the right treatment decisions.
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Learn more about Dental Unit Waterlines in the Professional section of the site.
Please note: The ADA does not provide specific answers
to individual questions about fees, dental problems, conditions, diagnoses,
treatments or proposed treatments, or requests for research. Information about
dental referrals, complaints and a variety of dental procedures may
be found here. You can also refer to our Frequently
Asked Questions page for answers to common questions.
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