What is the recommended concentration of sodium hypochlorite for surface disinfection in dentistry?

The recommended concentration of sodium hypochlorite for surface disinfection in dentistry is a 1:10 dilution. This concentration is effective in killing a broad spectrum of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it suitable for disinfecting surfaces in dental settings where contamination risks are high.

A 1:10 dilution provides the optimal balance between effectiveness and safety, effectively reducing the presence of infectious agents while minimizing potential damage to surfaces and equipment due to the corrosive nature of full-strength sodium hypochlorite. Using this dilution helps ensure that dental surfaces are appropriately disinfected without posing excessive risks to the materials they come into contact with.

In contrast, a 1:5 dilution might be too strong for routine surface disinfection, increasing the risk of damage to dental equipment and surfaces. A 1:20 dilution may not be effective enough for adequate disinfection, potentially leaving pathogens on surfaces. Using a full-strength solution without dilution would present significant safety hazards and is not advisable for routine disinfecting tasks in dental practice.