Background: The aerosol generated by an ultrasonic scaler contains microorganisms that can penetrate into the body of dental surgeons and patients through the respiratory system. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of commercially available preprocedural mouthrinse containing 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) and water in reducing the levels of viable bacteria in aerosols. Methods: This single-center, double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized, two-group parallel design was conducted over a period of three months. Twenty chronic periodontitis patients were divided randomly into two groups (Group I & II) of ten patients each to receive 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate and water respectively, as a preprocedural rinse. The aerosol produced by the ultrasonic unit was collected at patient’s chest area on blood agar plates in the two groups. The blood agar plates were incubated at 37oC for 48 hours, and the total number of colony-forming units (CFUs) was counted and statistically analyzed. Results: The results showed that CFUs in CHX group was significantly reduced compared with group-II <0.001. Conclusion: This study suggests that a routine 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) preprocedural mouthrinse could eliminate the majority of bacterial aerosols generated by the use of an ultrasonic unit.

dental aerosols; chlorhexidine mouth wash; ultrasonic scaling