Researchers discover the addition of polymers prevents dental aerosols

News Brief

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago have discovered that a mixture of polyacrylic acid, a simple food-grade polymer, and water will prevent aerosolization of fluids from instruments in dental settings. The research was published on August 25, 2020, in Physics of Fluids.

Additional information may be found here:

• Article by Science Daily summarizing the research: "Polymers prevent potentially hazardous mist during dentist visit"

• Physics of Fluids journal article: "Reopening dentistry after COVID-19: Complete suppression of aerosolization in dental procedures by viscoelastic Medusa Gorgo"