During manipulation and placement of periodontal dressings, what is placed on the gloves to avoid sticking?

When manipulating and placing periodontal dressings, applying a saline solution to the gloves can help to prevent the dressing material from sticking. Saline acts as a wetting agent, creating a slippery surface that allows the dental assistant to work with the dressing more effectively. This is particularly important because periodontal dressings can be sticky, and managing them without sticking to the gloves is crucial for precise placement and to ensure the integrity of the dressing.

While water can also serve the purpose of creating a barrier to stickiness, saline has the additional benefits of being isotonic and reducing the risk of irritation to the tissues being treated. Unlike Vaseline, which is an oil-based product that may interfere with the bonding of certain dental materials or cause occlusion of the periodontal dressing, saline maintains a conducive environment for the dressing to adhere properly without compromising its effectiveness. Antiseptic solutions, while beneficial for infection control, are not suitable in this context as they do not provide the same slick surface needed during manipulation and could potentially impact healing or the setting of the dressing.