Some predisposing factors for the development of posteruptive dental dystrophies in health workers

Abstract

Background: There are few detailed researches on the presence and impact of the work environment on the dental health of employes from the medical field of activity. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate and to monitor some predisposing factors in the development of dental posteruptive dystrophies in health workers. Material and methods: We determined the presence of unfavourable factors in the medium of activity of health employes in following services: stomatology, laboratory, pharmacy. Investigations were focused on air compounds and such characteristics as: temperature, relative humidity, vapour concentration of acids, bases and powders, lighting, noise and vibration. In the study were included 945 people aged from 20 to 60 years, 767 women and 178 men. Results: It was established that during work, more than 80.0 ± 1.3% of the examined persons interacted directly with disinfectants, 30.0 ± 1.5% with acids, 25.2 ± 1.4% with bases, 19.3 ± 1.5% with polymer and cement powder composits. We identified the presence of about 0.1 mg/dm³ of sulphuric acid and 0.6 mg/dm³ of acetic acid in the the air of working offices. Conditions of thermal and humidity discomfort were confirmed by the degree of artificial ventilation (only 55.9 ± 1.6%). Conclusions: The professional environment of health workers is altered by chemical agents used in their practice. The presence of harmful substances sprayed into the air space and the discomfort of occupational microclimate factors cause an important decrease of the general immunity and of oral cavity local immunity protection by reduction of oral fluid buffer function.