The role of chemical products at low doses in preventing the proliferation of bacteria in dental unit waterlines: the ICX experience.

In this study we evaluated (1) the efficacy of a protocol that combines hydrogen peroxide (shock treatment) and ICX tablets (continuous treatment) for the control of microbial contamination in dental unit water lines, and (2) the in vitro antimicrobial activity of ICX tablets on collection and wild strains isolated from dental chair output waters. To assess the treatment effectiveness, the microbial load in the output water samples of three dental chairs were investigated: one control chair received only shock treatment. In vitro bactericidal activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.