Dentists' water lines linked to rare bacterial infections, CDC warns

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning that a number of U.S. children have picked up a serious infection from contaminated water lines at the dentist's office.

Although rare, outbreaks of nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) infections have been reported in kids treated at the dentist, one cluster in 2015 and another in 2016, the CDC says. A third cluster identified at a pediatric dental clinic last March is under investigation.

These harmful bacteria lodge in the narrow water lines in dental equipment.

"NTM infections following dental procedures are very serious," said Dr. Michele Neuburger, a dental officer in CDC's Division of Oral Health. "These infections can be resistant to antibiotic treatment and are difficult to treat."

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/dentists-water-lines-linked-to-rare-bacterial-infections-cdc-warns/ar-AA13Q3zI

[MOMFUDSKI]

1. WOW

Mother Nature always bats last. Be careful out there.

[MagickMuffin]

2. Thx for sharing, important information

Definitely makes sense to discuss this with your dentist.


Hopefully PC Intern will chime in!

[LisaM]

3. Kind of related - this is why I don't get water from refrigerators.

The lines get dirty and I don't know anyone who cleans them.

[VGNonly]

4. NTM

have a thick waxy coating that resist treatments. Boiling, stronger chemical disinfectants or a .01 micron filtering are required.

I filter all my drinking water or boil for cooking.

[dalton99a]

5. Kick

https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/han00478.asp
Outbreaks of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections Highlight Importance of Maintaining and Monitoring Dental Waterlines

[PCIntern]

6. Yes...as a dentist I will tell you

that this has been known for many years. We routinely flushed our lines when I owned my practice.