Bacterial causes and severity factors in dental abscesses

a study done in patients attending selected dental units, sri lanka

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Identification of bacterial aetiologies and assessment of factors associated with dento alveolar abscesses of increased severity
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Subtitle: a study done in patients attending selected dental units, sri lanka

Original source:

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Author:

Melanie Naamal Jayawardena, Jananie Kottahachchi, Pintherumahawaduge Dilan Chaminda Fernando, Thushari Dissanayaka, Dushyanthie Athukorala, Anthoni Baduge Madura Jagath Nalaka, Panthiarachilage Chethani Udeshika Samaraweera, Chandima Pathirana Weerasinghe, Mahesh Priyadarshana Kumbukage, Neluka Fernando


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Identification of bacterial aetiologies and assessment of factors associated with dento alveolar abscesses of increased severity

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr201610-7090


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The study conducted in Sri Lanka aimed to explore the bacterial aetiologies and susceptibility patterns associated with acute dentoalveolar abscesses, along with the risk factors contributing to their increased severity. Dentoalveolar abscesses pose significant health and economic challenges, necessitating an understanding of their microbial causes and patient-related factors to enhance management strategies. Through a descriptive cross-sectional study involving thirty patients, researchers investigated the pathogens involved and the relationship between various risk factors and the clinical severity of the illness.

Bacterial Aetiology and Antibiotic Sensitivity

The results indicated that the most commonly isolated aerobic microorganism was viridans streptococci, while Porphyromonas species predominated among the strict anaerobes. The identified bacterial species were generally sensitive to commonly used antibiotics, such as amoxicillin and clindamycin. A total of 84 organisms were isolated across the samples, underscoring the polymicrobial nature of dentoalveolar abscesses. This finding highlights the importance of tailored antibiotic therapy based on the identified bacterial pathogens to improve treatment outcomes.

Risk Factors for Increased Severity

The study identified multiple risk factors associated with higher severity of dentoalveolar abscesses. Notably, male patients and those with lower educational levels exhibited a greater severity of symptoms. Oral hygiene habits, such as the frequency of changing toothbrushes, the time spent brushing, and the technique employed for cleaning teeth, were significantly correlated with abscess severity. Furthermore, personal habits, including tobacco use and consumption of high-sugar snacks, were found to exacerbate the condition. These modifiable risk factors can inform public health strategies to prevent the occurrence of severe dental infections.

Clinical Severity Assessment

Clinical severity was evaluated based on the presence of localized and systemic symptoms. Patients reported various symptoms, with a significant number experiencing intense pain and facial cellulitis. The findings suggest that patients exhibiting seven or more symptoms were associated with more severe illness. Notably, halitosis and a history of dental caries were also linked to increased severity. These insights emphasize the multifaceted nature of dentoalveolar abscesses and highlight the need for comprehensive assessments in clinical practice.

Conclusion

The study concludes that acute dentoalveolar abscesses are primarily caused by a complex interplay of polymicrobial infections, with anaerobic bacteria being predominant. The research also highlights the significant role of behavioral and educational factors in determining the severity of dental infections. Despite the absence of a statistically significant relationship between specific pathogens and clinical severity, the overall findings underscore the necessity for improved oral hygiene practices and targeted educational interventions to mitigate the risk of severe dentoalveolar abscesses in the population. Such measures could ultimately lead to better clinical outcomes and reduced health care costs associated with dental infections.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the primary focus of the study on dentoalveolar abscesses?

The study aims to identify bacterial aetiologies, assess antibiotic sensitivity patterns, and evaluate risk factors associated with dentoalveolar abscesses of increased severity.

What types of bacteria were most commonly isolated in the study?

Viridans streptococci were the most isolated facultative anaerobes, while Porphyromonas species were the most common strict anaerobes found in the acute dentoalveolar abscesses.

What factors were found to be associated with increased severity?

Factors include male sex, poor oral hygiene practices, tobacco use, and high sugar snack consumption. Educational level also correlated with abscess severity.

How were the patients diagnosed with acute dentoalveolar abscesses?

Patients presenting to dental units had pus samples collected, which were then processed to isolate aerobic and anaerobic bacteria using conventional tests.

What was the relationship between pathogens and clinical severity?

No statistically significant relationship was found between the types of pathogens and the clinical severity of illness in patients with dentoalveolar abscesses.

What recommendations were made for managing dentoalveolar abscesses?

Management includes surgical drainage and the use of antibiotics like amoxicillin and clindamycin when necessary, with emphasis on improving oral hygiene practices.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Bacterial causes and severity factors in dental abscesses”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Study (Studying):
The study investigates acute dentoalveolar abscesses, focusing on bacterial aetiologies and associated risk factors in patients from selected dental units in Sri Lanka. Understanding this condition requires interdisciplinary work, combining microbiology, dental practice, and epidemiological methods to enhance patient outcomes.

2) Species:
Species refers to the specific microbial organisms isolated from abscess samples. Identifying these species helps determine the infectious agents involved in dentoalveolar abscesses, guiding clinicians in selecting effective antibiotic treatments and understanding the polymicrobial nature of such infections.

3) Lanka (Lamka, Lànkà):
Lanka, referring to Sri Lanka, is the geographical context of the study. The unique oral health challenges and bacterial profiles in this region influence the study's relevance, and findings may provide localized insights that could benefit public health and dental practices in Sri Lanka.

4) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotics are crucial in treating bacterial infections, including dentoalveolar abscesses. The study highlights the sensitivity patterns of isolated aerobic bacteria to antibiotics, which guides clinicians in prescribing effective treatments to manage infections, particularly in cases presenting with systemic symptoms.

5) Disease:
The study addresses diseases linked to poor oral health, particularly dentoalveolar abscesses. Understanding the disease's causative factors and associated bacteria aids in prevention strategies, and impacts treatment protocols, stressing the importance of dental hygiene and regular check-ups in maintaining oral health.

6) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Oral hygiene practices are emphasized as significant factors in preventing dentoalveolar abscesses. The study explores how behaviors related to brushing, rinsing, and overall oral care impact the severity of abscesses, stressing the necessity for public health interventions to promote better hygiene.

7) Male:
The study found a statistically significant association between male sex and the severity of dentoalveolar abscesses. This finding highlights potential behavioral or biological factors impacting oral health in males, suggesting a need for targeted health education programs addressing male-specific dental hygiene practices.

8) Sugar:
Consumption of refined sugar is presented as a significant risk factor for dental issues, including abscess formation. The study's findings stress the importance of dietary habits in oral health, particularly the need to lower sugar intake to prevent dental decay and subsequent infections.

9) Pain:
Pain is a critical symptom associated with dentoalveolar abscesses, and the study documents various types of pain experienced by patients. Understanding pain severity and its correlation with abscess characteristics can guide clinicians in assessing and managing patient discomfort effectively.

10) Science (Scientific):
The scientific approach taken in this study combines microbiology, dentistry, and epidemiology to investigate complex health issues. It illustrates how scientific inquiry aids in understanding the intricate interactions between pathogens and host factors in oral health conditions.

11) Table:
Tables in the study provide clear and concise data summarizing the isolated bacteria and their frequencies. These tables facilitate quick reference to the research findings, enhancing the interpretability of the data regarding the microbial aetiologies of dentoalveolar abscesses.

12) Knowledge:
The study emphasizes the importance of knowledge regarding bacterial profiles and associated risk factors in managing dentoalveolar abscesses. Increased awareness among healthcare providers can improve treatment strategies and preventive measures within communities, enhancing overall public health outcomes.

13) Education:
Education level significantly correlates with the severity of dentoalveolar abscesses in the study. Higher educational attainment often leads to better health awareness and oral hygiene practices, thus reducing the prevalence and severity of dental diseases, indicating the role of education in public health.

14) Attending:
Attending refers to the patients who presented at selected dental units for treatment of acute dentoalveolar abscesses. Understanding the demographics and behaviors of attending patients helps in identifying at-risk groups and tailoring educational and preventive interventions accordingly.

15) Priyadarshana (Priya-darshana, Priyadarsana):
Priyadarshana Kumbukage is one of the authors; their involvement suggests a collaborative effort in research within the healthcare field. Author contributions highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing health issues stemming from oral microbial infections.

16) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a key pathological response seen in dentoalveolar abscesses, indicating the body’s immune reaction to infection. Understanding inflammation processes is essential for clinicians to develop adequate treatment protocols that efficiently manage pain and facilitate healing.

17) Discussion:
The discussion section of the study synthesizes findings with existing literature to contextualize the research results. It provides insights into the implications of the findings, potential applications in clinical practice, and identifies areas for further research.

18) Swallowing:
Difficulty swallowing is a systemic symptom assessed in patients with acute dentoalveolar abscesses. Documenting this symptom is crucial for evaluating the overall impact of the infection and guiding further management based on patient presentations.

19) Evolution:
The concept of evolution in this context relates to the development and progression of oral diseases influenced by various environmental and behavioral factors. Understanding how dental conditions evolve over time is critical for effective prevention and treatment strategies.

20) Suffering:
Suffering indicates the physical and emotional distress experienced by patients with dentoalveolar abscesses. Acknowledging the extent of suffering is essential in clinical settings to ensure comprehensive patient care, addressing both medical and psychological needs.

21) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the field of healthcare that addresses the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases like dentoalveolar abscesses. The study contributes to medical knowledge by identifying bacterial aetiologies and management strategies applicable to dental medicine.

22) Bleeding:
Bleeding may occur in the context of dentoalveolar abscesses, either as a symptom or complication. Monitoring bleeding is vital for assessing the severity of the condition and determining the appropriate intervention to manage potential systemic implications.

23) Surface:
Surface refers to the oral surfaces, where bacteria colonize and infections may develop. Understanding the role of oral surfaces in disease progression can help healthcare professionals develop targeted interventions for better oral health.

24) Nalaka:
Nalaka refers to Anthoni Baduge Madura Jagath Nalaka, another author involved in the study. Collaborating with multiple researchers enhances the depth and breadth of the research, blending varied expertise to address complex health issues in dentistry.

25) Madura:
Madura is part of the name of one of the authors, providing a personal connection to the research. The implication of their involvement illustrates the collaborative effort needed to investigate public health concerns effectively.

26) Aureus:
Staphylococcus aureus is one of the bacterial isolates identified in the study. Recognizing the presence and antibiotic resistance patterns of this organism is vital in managing infections effectively, particularly since it can cause serious complications in cases of abscesses.

27) Nature:
Nature refers to the inherent complexities of microbial interactions in dentoalveolar abscesses. Acknowledging the nature of infections aids in understanding the challenges faced in treatment and provides insights into potential preventive measures.

28) Reason:
Reason relates to understanding the underlying causes of dentoalveolar abscesses, including poor hygiene and dietary choices. Identifying reasons for increased incidence can inform public health policies and educational programs aimed at reducing oral disease prevalence.

29) Water:
Water is often used for rinsing and maintaining oral hygiene. The study highlights the role of rinsing after meals, underscoring the importance of water in preventing dental diseases and promoting overall oral health, particularly among patients with abscesses.

30) Fever:
Fever is a systemic symptom indicating the body's response to infection. Recognizing fever in patients with dentoalveolar abscesses aids in assessing the severity of the condition and may dictate the need for urgent medical intervention.

31) Cina:
China is mentioned as a reference for comparative insights regarding education levels and dental health. International studies provide valuable context for local findings, especially in understanding how cultural factors influence oral health behaviors and outcomes.

32) Diet:
Diet plays a crucial role in oral health, influencing the development of conditions like dentoalveolar abscesses. The study highlights the impact of dietary habits on dental health, stressing the importance of educating patients on maintaining a balanced diet.

33) Pur:
Poor oral hygiene and dietary practices are significant risk factors for the development of dentoalveolar abscesses. Addressing these issues through public health campaigns can mitigate their incidence and improve oral health outcomes in communities.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Bacterial causes and severity factors in dental abscesses’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Oral hygiene, Educational level, Oral health, Halitosis, Aerobic bacteria, Risk factor, Systemic symptoms, Clinical severity, Antibiotic sensitivity pattern, Personal habits, Anaerobic bacteria, Frequency of changing toothbrush.

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