title: Odontogenic infections: Microbiology and management.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the involvement of fascial spaces, their bacteriology, sensitivity to antibiotics and management of odontogenic infection in 100 patients of age less than 60 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mandibular 3(rd) molar was found to be the most commonly offending tooth, followed by the mandibular 2(nd) molar. The submandibular space was the most frequently involved fascial space both in single fascial space infections and multiple fascial space infections. Mixed growth (aerobic and anaerobic) was seen in culture smears of 60 patients, only aerobic bacterial growth was seen in 25 patients and anaerobic bacterial growth was seen in culture smears of 15 patients. Streptococcus viridans was the most frequently isolated bacteria among the aerobes, whereas Bacteroides and Prevotella were the most common bacterial species among anaerobes. Empirical antibiotic therapy in the form of Co amoxiclav and Metronidazole was given. Incision and drainage followed by extraction of the offending tooth/teeth was carried out.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It was concluded that odontogenic infections were mixed aerobic-anaerobic infections. Anaerobic as well as aerobic cultures were necessary to isolate all pathogens. Successful management of these infections depends on changing the environment through decompression, removal of the etiologic factor and by choosing the proper antibiotic.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Baba Jaswant Singh Dental College, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
authors.forename: Rashi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bahl
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, Amritsar, Punjab, India.
authors.forename: Sumeet
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sandhu
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College, Amritsar, Punjab, India.
authors.forename: Kanwardeep
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Genesis Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, Ferozepur, Punjab, India.
authors.forename: Nilanchal
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sahai
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Pacific Dental College, Rajasthan, India.
authors.forename: Mohita
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gupta
keywords: Antibiotic sensitivity; fascial space infection; odontogenic infection