Relationship between odontogenic bacteremia and orthodontic stripping

Abstract

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 6 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 Streptococcus sanguis. 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.