Clinical profile of orofacial infections: an experience from two primary care dental practices.
OBJECTIVE
Orofacial infections are common reasons for dental consultations worldwide. However, there is scarcity of data on clinico-epidemiological profiles reported from primary care dental practices. To address this issue, a study was done to characterize the clinical pattern, age groups affected and sex predilection of orofacial infections in the primary care dental practice.


METHODS
Clinical data was evaluated from random electronic files of patients for whom antimicrobials were prescribed at two Dental Practices in UK between January 2009 and December 2010.


RESULTS
200 case records were studied. 104 (52%) cases were females. Mean age was 37.2 (+/-15.1) years. 107 (53.5%) cases belonged to age group 21-40 years. Posterior teeth were involved in 112 (56%) cases. Types of disease were as follows: dentoalveolar abscess 63(31.5%), pulpitis 27(13.5%), apical periodontitis 21(10.5%), pericoronitis 21(10.5%), dry socket 13(6.5%), periodontitis 9(4.5%) infected root stump 5(2.5%), facial swelling 5(2.5%) and infections unspecified 36(18%) cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Orofacial infections affect both sexes equally. 21-40 years is the commonest age-group affected. Dentoalveolar abscess is the commonest infection followed by unspecified infections and pulpitis.
Department of Dentistry, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. marinageorge2008@yahoo.com
Marina-George
MG
Kudiyirickal
Frank
F
Hollinshead
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003752:Dental Health Services; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology*; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult