Disposable gloves are worn to protect the care giver and the patient from infections in health care settings. Disposable gloves can be made of a number of materials such as latex, nitryl or vinyl. Rubber gloves are widely used. Disposable gloves are commonly used for examination procedures. There are two kinds of gloves based on sterility namely, sterile and unsterile gloves. Unsterile gloves are usually packed in greater numbers as a pack and are regularly used for routine examination procedures that do not require sterile gloves. Sterile gloves on the other hand, are packed separately, one pair in a package. When worn, care is it taken to ensure that the outer surface of the glove is untouched as it might lead to compromise on sterility. In a few dental clinics, unsterile gloves may be sprayed with disinfectant solutions and used in place of sterile gloves. This is not at all advisable. It is vital that dentists wear sterile gloves while examining the patient’s mouth in order to prevent both the patient and themselves from infections. This is because, the moist environment inside the patient’s mouth softens the nail and skin edges of the dentist’s hands. This makes the dentist more susceptible to bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Also, the dentist’s hand is a potential source of bacteria and hence the patient is also prone to infections when the doctor examines the interior of the mouth or operates without wearing gloves. Watch this video to know more about the kinds of gloves and understand why wearing gloves is indispensible in a dental healthcare setting.

Produced: 07/2011