{"id":32,"date":"2020-08-09T19:41:00","date_gmt":"2020-08-09T19:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drtubo.com\/blog\/?p=32"},"modified":"2020-09-09T19:44:36","modified_gmt":"2020-09-09T19:44:36","slug":"facemasks-whitinsville","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drtubo.com\/blog\/2020\/08\/09\/facemasks-whitinsville\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are the Different Levels of Facemasks?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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As you continue to adjust to life with COVID-19 as a threat, you probably understand the importance of wearing a mask. However, not all facemasks are created equal. In fact, there are different levels of facemasks that provide various forms of protection. Your dentist uses ASTM-rated facemasks for ultimate safety. Read on to learn about the different levels of facemasks as well as why you can have peace of mind when visiting your dentist\u2019s office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Levels of ASTM Masks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

ASTM stands for American Society for Testing and Materials, and they have 3 different levels of masks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Level 1<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first level is low barrier protection for general, low risk procedures. These are worn during nonsurgical treatments that don\u2019t have aerosols, sprays, or fluids. An ear loop mask you may be picturing in your head is a level 1 ASTM mask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Level 2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The level 2 mask is used for low to moderate levels of aerosols, sprays, or fluids during dental procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Level 3<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A level 3 mask is worn for maximum barrier protection. This is any case where there is a potential for exposure to higher levels of aerosols, sprays, or fluids. The level 3 mask has the highest ASTM rating for superior protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 4 F\u2019s of Mask Selection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 When it comes to mask selection, your dentist employs these 4 F\u2019s:<\/p>\n\n\n\n