The relationship between high incidence of deep neck infection and toothbrushing frequency

This study aimed to investigate and compare the frequency of toothbrushing and dental health status between deep neck space infection (DNSI) patients with dental origin and healthy population. 64 participants were included in this study in the form of two groups. The first group consisted of 34 DNSI patients with dental onset, and the second group consisted of 30 participants (control group). Study was carried out in two separate categories: the frequency of toothbrushing and assessment of dental health status. Toothbrushing frequency was evaluated with a questionnaire. Dental health status was assessed for periodontal and dental disease by periodontist according to the some widely used indicators; Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) scores, Plaque Index score, Gingival Index score and Sulcus Bleeding Index score. Present study showed that the majority had brushed their teeth occasionally. In DNSI group, the percentage of never toothbrushing was very high and regular toothbrushing rate was so low. DNI group has higher scores than the control group and this indicates poor oral hygiene. Our results showed that, oral health was impaired and regular toothbrushing seems to have been neglected in DNSI group. In our opinion, this negligence is a very important contributory factor towards the more occurrence of deep neck abscess.   Key words: Deep neck infection, toothbrushing, dental caries, dental health, decayed missing filled teeth (DMFT).