Dimensions of Dental Hygiene

4. Detail the available evidence on the role of oral hygiene and bacteremia. Bacteremia (BAC) is the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream—a normally sterile environment. People in good health rarely develop BAC because their immune systems eliminate the potentially-harmful bacteria. However, when bacteria are introduced directly into the circulatory system, especially in a person who is ill, immunocompromised, or undergoing aggressive medical treatment, the immune system may not be able to cope with the invasion, and symptoms of BAC may develop. These include fever and other signs of infection. In some cases, BAC may lead to septic shock, a potentially life-threatening condition.