Characterization of dental dust particles and their pathogenicity to respiratory system: a narrative review

Abstract

Objectives Dental professionals are exposed to large amounts of dust particles during routine treatment and denture processing. This article provides a narrative review to investigate the most prevalent dust-related respiratory diseases among dental professionals and to discuss the effects of dental dust on human respiratory health. Materials and methods A literature search was performed in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Embase for articles published between 1990 and 2022. Any articles on the occupational respiratory health effects of dental dust were included. Results The characterization and toxicity evaluation of dental dust show a correlation between dust exposure and respiratory system injury, and the possible pathogenic mechanism of dust is to cause lung injury and abnormal repair processes. The combination use of personal protective equipment and particle removal devices can effectively reduce the adverse health effects of dust exposure. Conclusions Dental dust should be considered an additional occupational hazard in dental practice. However, clinical data and scientific evidence on this topic are still scarce. Further research is required to quantify dust in the dental work environment and clarify its pathogenicity and potential toxicological pathways. Nonetheless, the prevention of dust exposure should become a consensus among dental practitioners. Clinical relevance This review provides dental practitioners with a comprehensive understanding and preventive advice on respiratory health problems associated with dust exposure.

Occupational exposure of dental nurses in a tertiary dental hospital in Beijing: A single-centre retrospective study

“…The occupational exposure types of dental practitioners are quite unique, mainly including biological exposure and chemical substance exposure. In addition, there is X-ray radiation exposure and physical exposure caused by prolonged head bending, bending, lifting, and sitting for a long time [22][23][24] . Oral nurses mainly have biological exposure, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms.…”