Attached
Introduction - Acute dentoalveolar abscesses cause significant
morbidity, financial impact and loss of income. Knowledge of the
aetiology, susceptibility patterns and associated factors would help in
effectively managing patients. Objectives - To identify the bacterial
aetiologies and the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of the aerobic bacteria
at selected dental units in Sri Lanka, and to assess the risk factors for
dentoalveolar abscesses of increased severity and determine the
relationship between pathogen and the clinical severity of illness.
M aterials and M ethods - A descriptive cross sectional study was
undertaken among thirty patients presenting to selected dental units,
with acute dentoalveolar abscesses. An interviewer administered
questionnaire was used to assess the associated factors. An aspirated
sample was processed to isolate the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.Antimicrobial
susceptibility was performed for the aerobes. Results - Viridans streptococci were the most
isolated facultative anaerobe, while P orph yrom on as species was the commonest strict anaerobe isolated. These organisms were sensitive to amoxicillin and clindamycin. Multiple
risk factors associated with acute dentoalveolar abscesses of increased severity include male
sex, educational level, frequency of changing the toothbrush, time spent brushing teeth,
technique of cleaning teeth, frequency of performing mouth rinsing, use of tobacco and
consuming snacks high in refined sugars. No statistically significant relationship could be
demonstrated between pathogen and clinical severity of illness. C onclusions - Polymicrobial
etiology was demonstrated, with the majority being anaerobes. The aerobes were mostly
sensitive to the commonly used antibiotic. Multiple modifiable and non-modifiable factors
were associated with dentoalveolar abscesses of increased severity
