Dental prophylaxis for children

Question

Hello,

My daughter (CF) is 6 years old now and my dentist would like to start with regular dental prophylaxis. I already know the procedure from my older son (non-CF). Among other things there is a blue liquid which is dabbed on the teeth to make visible whether the child has brushed its teeth well. During the last appointment with my son it occurred to me if using this “blue ink” would also be fine for my daughter since the little bottle was already half empty when the dentist took the liquid from it for my son’s treatment. I do not know how long this bottle has been open already.

In this dental surgery/practice prophylaxis is only done once a week. Therefore, I could imagine that such a bottle is probably used during several prophylaxis days, i.e. during several weeks.
Are there bacterial concerns for our daughter with CF?
Should I ask the dentist if she could open a fresh bottle for my daughter every time?

Thank you for your answer.

Answer

Hello,

The blue liquid is probably a so called plaque disclosing liquid which is used during the individual prophylaxis session to show bacterial plaque. Usually, such a liquid – as well as many other liquids that are used in a dental surgery – is not taken directly from the bottle and then applied to the teeth but a small amount of liquid is put into an little extra bowl first and then taken from the bowl and applied with a cotton ball or tip. The liquid in the bowl that was not used is disposed.
If this is done correctly, there is no special infection risk involved. I am sure you have informed your dentist about you daughter having CF so that she knows that special awareness concerning bacterial origins of infection is necessary. You might also remind your dentist and her team again. In my opinion it is then not necessary to talk about the blue bottle.

Best regards,
Michael Sies

16.05.2015