Should we ban single use plastics in dentistry?

[@michaelrobinson9643]

An important and worthwhile element to consider. I disagree in part with Magus... the assumption that small gains are not valuable, and the assumption that optimising this aspect of Practice will preclude optimisation of other elements. Determine your goals/priorities in a weighted list. Determine where such change in process fits in priorities based on a quick analysis. Across all of your competing priorities then allocate your resources and apply a framework to manage the change and review it. Prior to being a dentist I was responsible for maintaining the Operational Readiness of a fleet of Military Aircraft. Different work but applying the same tools and mindset to be the most effective you can in line with your defined priorities. I believe our infection control standards can be maintained by removing many of the single use items we do (adhesive wraps etc for handles). Of course the impact of the corresponding pathway to maintain appropriate standards needs to be weighed up - from electricity usage to chemicals and anything attributable to the total impact. An example of applying this mindset incorrectly is someone who installs solar panels to offset electricity production impact yet fails to acknowledge the environmental impact of manufacturing, shipping and installing the panels and system.

[@xpurplefreakx]

Keep it up! As a makeup artist i am so aware of the single use plastic we use. One mascara wands, wipes, sticks. Its alarming but part of the profession and staying hygienic

[@YourSmileClinic]

Do you think we should put the responsibility on the consumer to bring their own mascara wand and washable face clothes? Or for patient to bring their own bottle to rinse their mouth with after? Or is it the responsibility of the manufacturers to come up with biodegradable options?

[@xpurplefreakx]

@@YourSmileClinic i think its the brands responsibility to come up with something else.

[@dude14377]

Needs to be done but isn't possible. Autoclaving isn't always effective, and using sterilised plastics is the most hygienic way. The only way to reduce environmental impact in regards to medical devices is by somehow changing how many pollutants are released during incineration, I don't know how that is possible.

[@sarooar]

Great initiative! Medical device should try do this more

[@vinhdao7582]

Hi Dr Angela , I have a abscess at my gum ( I don't know call it periodontal or gingivitis ...) it often swollen then when I pressed on it I can drain the yellow pus out . But It that abscess will come back around 4 days later , then I had to press it to drain the pus out again . It has been recurrent on and off for years . I tried to use salt with warm water to rinse my mouth everyday + oregano oil , the abscess pocket got smaller , but I can't not cure it forever . Could you please give me any suggestion to cure it ? I heard that I need to do the root canal to cure it ? I don't want to do root canal or surgical . Is there any oil solution to clean it ? Thanks

[@YourSmileClinic]

Hello Vinh, sorry for the late reply. If you have a dental infection the only way to remove the infection is to remove the tooth or to have a root canal treatment to remove the infected nerve inside the tooth. Antibiotics will not fully remove infection, and oil pulling is ineffective. Please see a dentist for professional assessment and advice.