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Waterline treatment (continuous)
Also called: waterline tablets, cartridges, straws, water treatment
Products added to the unit water every day to control biofilm.
Dental unit water will not stay at 500 CFU/mL or below unless it is treated. Common options are tablets dissolved in each bottle of water, slow-release straws or cartridges that sit in the bottle, and in-line filters. Each works only if used exactly as directed.
How to spot it
- Tablets, a cartridge or a straw labeled for dental unit waterlines, near the water bottles.
What it is used for
- Add the product each time you fill the bottle, or replace the cartridge on schedule, per the instructions.
Safety and care
- Use only products your dental unit maker approves; some chemicals damage tubing.
- Skipping treatment lets biofilm come back quickly.
Related
Sources: CDC. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. MMWR 2003;52(RR-17), ADA Oral Health Topics. Dental Unit Waterlines, CDC. Best Practices for Dental Unit Water Quality