Highlights
- HOCl is a non-toxic disinfectant that avoids skin and lung irritation from bleach, alcohol, and quats.
- It leaves no residue, making it ideal for dental surfaces and sensitive equipment.
- HOCl is non-corrosive, reducing long-term damage to chairs, lights, trays, tools, and plastics.
- Dental environments benefit from HOCl’s ability to disrupt biofilm, a major clinical challenge.
- It has no harsh fumes, improving indoor air quality for hygienists and patients.
- HOCl can be used safely throughout the clinic—from operatory touchpoints to waiting rooms.
Safer Disinfection for Dental Clinics Starts Here
Dental professionals work closely with disinfectants every single day—but many of the most common products pose risks that add up over time. Bleach produces strong fumes, alcohol dries skin and damages plastics, and quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) are increasingly linked to respiratory irritation. These issues matter in dentistry, where clinicians spend hours in enclosed treatment rooms.
That’s why more clinics in Canada are moving toward hypochlorous acid (HOCl)—a hospital-grade disinfectant that matches the power of traditional chemicals without the irritation, odours, or corrosion.
Explore our School & Workplace Collection to see stabilized HOCl options trusted in Canadian healthcare settings.
Why Bleach and Alcohol Are Poor Fits for Dental Environments
Many disinfection products were designed for industrial or household use—not for the delicate materials found in dental operatories.
1. Skin and Lung Irritation
Bleach and quats release airborne irritants linked to lung irritation and asthma-like symptoms. Alcohol-based sprays can cause dryness, dermatitis, and cracked skin with repeated use. In a profession where you disinfect dozens of surfaces per patient, these effects accumulate quickly.
2. Corrosion of Dental Equipment
Bleach is notorious for its corrosive effects on metals, plastics, upholstery, and electronic surfaces. Alcohol degrades rubber and vinyl—common materials in dental chairs, hose covers, and equipment housings.
Dental equipment is expensive. A disinfectant that slowly damages it becomes a hidden cost.
3. Strong Odours That Affect Patient Experience
Patients often describe dental offices as “chemical smelling,” which contributes to anxiety. HOCl, being nearly scent-free, eliminates that sensory trigger altogether.
Why HOCl Is the Superior Dental Surface Cleaner
HOCl is naturally produced by the human immune system, which is why it is gentle on skin, eyes, and lungs—yet highly effective against bacteria, viruses, spores, and biofilm.
1. Non-Toxic + No Fumes
HOCl produces no harsh fumes, making it suitable for small operatories and clinics with limited airflow. It supports a healthier environment for both staff and patients.
2. Non-Corrosive on Equipment
Unlike bleach and alcohol, HOCl is non-corrosive, protecting surfaces such as:
- dental chair upholstery
- handpiece housings
- curing lights
- instrument trays
- plastic and metal control panels
- X-ray switches and touchscreen surfaces
Dental clinics often see extended equipment lifespan after switching to HOCl.
3. Breaks Down Dental Biofilm
Biofilm harbours bacteria and viruses and is notorious for its resistance to disinfectants. HOCl’s electrochemical properties allow it to penetrate these structures effectively—making it a powerful tool for routine chairside disinfection.
4. Leaves No Residue
Bleach and quats can leave residues that require rinsing. HOCl dries quickly and leaves no film, reducing steps and saving time during patient turnover.
See how our 1 L Surface Cleaner & Disinfectant supports safe, effective chairside cleaning.
Practical Ways Dental Clinics Use HOCl Every Day
- Operatory counters, trays, and armrests
- Patient chairs and headrests
- Touchscreens and keyboards
- Light handles, switches, and control panels
- Waiting room seating and play areas
- PPE stations, staff rooms, and reception surfaces
HOCl is safe for both clinical and non-clinical areas—without PPE requirements or ventilation concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): HOCl in Dental Clinics
Q1. Is HOCl strong enough for clinical disinfection?
A. Yes. Health Canada–approved HOCl disinfectants provide broad-spectrum pathogen reduction similar to bleach and alcohol.
Q2. Will HOCl damage dental chairs or equipment?
A. No. HOCl is non-corrosive on plastics, metals, vinyl, electronics, upholstery, and rubber.
Q3. Does HOCl help reduce dental biofilm?
A. Yes. HOCl is effective at breaking down biofilm in clinical environments.
Q4. Is HOCl safe around staff and patients?
A. Absolutely. It contains no harsh fumes, no alcohol, and no quats—ideal for respiratory-sensitive individuals.
Upgrade to safer clinical disinfection with our stabilized HOCl:
- 1 L Surface Cleaner & Disinfectant – ideal for dental chairs & touchpoints
- School & Workplace Collection – our full range of hypochlorous acid solutions
Have questions? Contact Us anytime.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Infection Prevention & Control Overview. CDC
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety (CCOHS). Chemical Hazards. CCOHS
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Hypochlorous Acid Mechanisms & Efficacy Review. NCBI