The permeability of dental gloves following exposure to certain dental materials

Objectives: This investigation sought to study the permeability of three commonly used clinical gloves when exposed to chemical agents. Methods: A total of 35 gloves of each type were selected at random and were assigned to one of seven equally sized treatment groups. The effective barrier properties were investigated following treatment for 15 min with one of: acid etchant, Trim, cavity varnish, Hibiscrub, Hydrex and Vitremer using a dye permeability test. Following the chemical insult a 0.02% solution of erythrosine dye was introduced into each glove and the outer glove surface was washed with 10 ml of distilled water at intervals of 30, 60, 90 and 120 min. The percentage absorption of the collected washings, at 530 nm, was determined using a spectrophotometer. The results were compared with those values obtained from untreated gloves. Results: Acid etchant and Hydrex had little effect on any of the gloves. Trim caused an increase in permeability of the vinyl gloves but had little or no effect upon those made of latex. Cavity varnish increased the permeability of both Biogel D and Tru-Touch but had no effect on Featherlite. The integrity of the latex gloves was diminished by Hibiscrub but little effect was observed in the case of the vinyl based glove. The permeability of all three gloves was increased by exposure to Vitremer liquid. Conclusions: Manufacturers should provide details of potential glove chemical interactions to assist dentists in glove selection.