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Periodontics · single question

The bacteria most commonly associated with dental abscesses are:

  1. A single anaerobic gram-positive species
  2. 1–2 aerobic gram-positive bacteria
  3. 5–6 aerobic gram-negative bacteria
  4. 3–4 anaerobic gram-negative bacteria
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. 3–4 anaerobic gram-negative bacteria

  • A. Incorrect. Dental abscesses are polymicrobial, not mono-species, and not typically dominated by gram-positive anaerobes.
  • B. Incorrect. Dental abscesses are not primarily caused by aerobic gram-positive bacteria as sole agents.
  • C. Incorrect. Aerobic gram-negative bacteria are not the primary agents in odontogenic abscesses.
  • D. CORRECT. Dental abscesses are polymicrobial infections dominated by 3–4 anaerobic gram-negative species, including Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, and Bacteroides species. These anaerobes thrive in the low-oxygen environment of necrotic pulpal tissue.

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