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Preprocedural mouth rinse
Also called: pre-rinse, antimicrobial pre-rinse
A rinse before treatment to lower germs in the spray.
Some offices have patients rinse with an antimicrobial product (such as chlorhexidine, essential oils or povidone-iodine) before treatment. CDC notes studies showing fewer germs in the aerosol and spatter afterward, though it has not been proven to prevent infections.
How to spot it
- Small cups of rinse set out before ultrasonic scaling or polishing.
What it is used for
- Give the rinse as your office protocol directs, usually before procedures that make a lot of spray.
Safety and care
- Ask about allergies, especially to iodine or chlorhexidine.
Related
Sources: CDC. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. MMWR 2003;52(RR-17)