Relationship between odontogenic bacteremia and orthodontic stripping

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.