Use of the clinical microbiology laboratory for the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases related to the oral cavity

Oral cavity infections are common, causing approximately 1% of all persons to visit a physician each year. The best diagnostic approach begins with a careful history and physical examination, followed by specific laboratory t esting to detect suspected pathogens. This article discusses the detection of the pathogens most likely responsible for oral cavity infections and sug gests ways to use laboratory findings to establish an accurate microbiologi c diagnosis for optimally treating oral infectious diseases.