Dental Infection Requiring Hospitalisation Is a Public Health Problem in Australia: A Systematic Review Demonstrating an Urgent Need for Published Data

Abstract

Background: The aim of this systematic review was to analyse the published literature on dental infections leading to hospitalisations in Australia. It was hoped that understanding the patterns and trends would form a basis for improved preventive and management policies. Methods: An electronic search was performed using Web of Science, Medline via Ovid and Google Scholar. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. The included studies were analysed for demographics, aetiology, management, length of hospital stay and outcome of dental infections requiring hospitalisation. Results: Nine retrospective studies were eligible for inclusion. A total of 2196 cases of dental infections leading to hospitalisations were reported, with a male predominance (55–67%). Mental health issues, illicit substance abuse and immunosuppression were the main associated comorbidities (up to 58%). Dental caries (59–90%) and pericoronitis (10–19%) were the leading causes of dental infections. Empirical antibiotics were utilised in up to 75% of cases prior to hospital presentation. Six mortalities were reported. Conclusions: The available published data show that dental infection is a significant public health problem. However, only general conclusions were possible due to the variably small sample size and data collection that was inconsistent and incomplete across studies. Improved data collection is required to develop policies for prevention and management.

Hospitalisations Due to Dental Infection—A Clinical Audit From a Public Hospital

“…The majority of dental infections were of pulpal origin followed by periodontitis and pericoronitis, consistent with findings from other studies [11]. Notably, while all teeth were involved, molars teeth (40.9%) including third molar teeth (9.8%), were predominantly presented.…”

“…However, the highest presentations of dental infections occurring in the 4th decade of life, a demographic often actively involved in workforce, aligns with both Australian and global data [7,[22][23][24][25][26][27]. The prevalence of comorbid conditions such as smoking, illicit drug use and mental health issues is consistent with findings from other studies [11]. Individuals with these conditions are at elevated risk of dental caries and periodontal disease, and are less likely to seek preventative dental care [28].…”

“…Proactive oral health related management strategies can mitigate complications and reduce the incidence of preventable hospitalizations [14]. A recent systematic review underscored the need for comprehensive data collection to guide evidence-based policies for the prevention and management of dental infections [11]. In line with this imperative, the current study aims to evaluate the characteristics of patients presenting with dental infections requiring hospitalisations to the emergency department of a major public hospital in Australia to identify patterns which may help improve preventative and management policies.…”

“…angina leading to airway compromise, and even systemic complications such as septicaemia and septic shock [10]. Dental infection has been reported to be the most common cause of oral health related preventable hospitalisations [11]. Studies have highlighted the considerable financial impact, with reported average hospital costs ranging from $12,228 (Australia) to $47,835 (United States) per patient [12,13].…”

Profile of Patients with Maxillofacial Space Infections and Associated Risk Factors

“…Maxillofacial space infections (MFSI) are a group of potentially serious infections commonly encountered and leading causes of potentially preventable hospitalizations [ 1 ] by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. They are characterized by the spread of bacterial infections from the teeth or supporting structures into adjacent spaces in the head and neck region.…”