An investigation of the efficacy of super-oxidised (Optident/Sterilox) water for the disinfection of dental unit water lines

AIMS: To determine the efficacy of super-oxidised water (Optident/Sterilox) in the decontamination of dental unit water lines. METHODS: Dental units (10) were first purged with concentrated super-oxidised water. After purging, a 5% (v/v) super-oxidised water was used as a maintenance dose. Samples for microbiology were taken after 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7 d, and each week for a further 13 weeks. RESULTS: After purging, 5% (v/v) super-oxidised water was successful in reducing the microbial counts to zero, although in three of the units some bacteria were intermittently isolated in the first week of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Super-oxidised water was successful in the removal of bacteria from dental unit water supplies. Complete removal required the treatment with a purge phase of concentrated disinfectant and a maintenance phase of at least two weeks.