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Bacteraemia caused by periodontal probing
C Daly1, D Mitchell, D Grossberg
1Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sydney.
Australian Dental Journal
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Periodontal probing can cause oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream, leading to bacteraemia in patients with periodontitis. Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for at-risk individuals before probing.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Infectious diseases
- Periodontology
Background:
- Bacteraemia of oral origin poses a risk for infective endocarditis in susceptible individuals.
- Periodontal disease is a common oral condition that may predispose individuals to bacteraemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence of bacteraemia following periodontal probing in patients with untreated periodontitis.
- To assess the potential link between periodontal probing and transient bacteraemia.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 30 patients with untreated periodontitis.
- Blood cultures were performed before and immediately after periodontal probing.
- Periodontal probing involved measuring pocket depths and assessing bleeding on probing.
Main Results:
- Pre-existing bacteraemia was found in 3 patients (skin commensals and Prevotella species).
- Following probing, 43% of patients (13/30) exhibited bacteraemia of oral origin.
- Viridans streptococci were the most frequent isolates (45% of positive cultures).
- No significant correlation was observed between bacteraemia and periodontitis severity or bleeding extent.
Conclusions:
- Periodontal probing is capable of inducing transient bacteraemia in patients with periodontitis.
- Antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered for patients at risk of infective endocarditis prior to periodontal probing, especially if radiographic evidence of periodontitis exists.