Relationship between odontogenic bacteremia and orthodontic stripping.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of bacteremia associated with an orthodontic stripping procedure.

METHODS

The study included 29 orthodontic patients (mean age, 18.2 ± 3.4 years). We used a standardized stripping procedure: a perforated stripping disk with a contra-angle hand piece was used at a low speed (<15,000 rpm; 10 seconds) on the mandibular anterior teeth. Blood samples were collected by inserting a cannula into the left antecubital fossa. A baseline sample was taken before treatment, and a second sample was taken after the stripping procedure. These samples were inoculated into aerobic and anaerobic blood culture bottles and incubated, and the bacterial cultures were identified; the samples collected before and after the stripping procedure were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Transient bacteremia was not detected in any pretreatment blood sample, but it was found in 1 postoperative blood sample; this sample tested positive for Streptococcussanguis.

CONCLUSIONS

The bacterial species in the positive postoperative blood sample was S sanguis, which might be associated with infective endocarditis. Clinicians should explain the level of risk to the patient and consult a concerned medical specialist.