Diseases of the teeth and gums Flashcards
What is the health status or the oral cavity linked to
cardiovascular disease, diabetes, other systemic illness
Caries
aka cavity
-a bacterial infection that causes demineralization and destruction of the hard tissues of the teeth
What causes caries
production of acid by bacterial fermentation of food debris accumulated on the tooth surface
Risk factors for dental infection
- low socioeconomic status/poor access to care
- poor oral hygiene
- poor nutrition
- inadequate fluoride
- decreased salivary flow
- use of anticholinergic medication
What pathogen causes caries (early infection)
stept mutans
What other pathogens are involved in later infection of caries
- pepto strep
- bacteriodes
- prevotella
- fusobacterium
- lactobacilli
Pyogenic Granuloma
happen in pregnancy, exaggeratied response to irritation
S&S of dental infection
- pain
- sensitivity to hot or cold
- pain on biting
- bleeding or purulent drainage from gingiva
Systemic signs of severe dental infection
- fever
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
- death
Children <4 with a stiff neck, sore throat and dysphagia should be worked up for what
retropharyngeal abscess secondary to molar infection
Most common organisms to find in a C&S of dental infection
anaerobic gram-negative rods
anaerobic gram positive cocci
First line medication for dental infection
- penicillin Vk
- amoxicillin
- if PCN allergy, use clinda or erythro
Second line medication for dental infection
- oral clinda
* if severe give with metronidazole
What can you give for pain with a dental infection?
- ASA
- NSAIDs
- caution w/ opoids
- nerveblock
Criteria for admission to the hospital with a dental infection
- swelling involving deep spaces of the neck
- unstable vital signs
- fever
- chills
- confusion/delirium
- evidence of invasive behavior
