Background: Orofacial space infections are commonly odontogenic in origin and the anatomical locations along with mode of spread to critical areas (e.g., orbit, brain, mediastinum) can result in morbidly and mortality if not diagnosed and treated well in time. This study was aimed to analyzing the incidence and pattern of oro-facial infections. Methods: This Descriptive case series was carried out at Oral Surgery unit (Ayub Medical College) Abbottabad from January 2016 - May 2017. The sample was collected using purposive, consecutive non-probability sampling. The demographic data, infection site and clinical features were recorded. The data was analyzed by using SPSS version 21. All the descriptive variables were analyzed for percentages & frequencies. Results: Thirty-six patients were included in the study. The male (23) to female (13) ratio was (1.7:1). Right Submandibular space was most common site. In one case each, there was involvement of retropharyngeal and retromandibular space. Majority of the patients presented with swelling (88.89%). Diabetes mellitus was the most commonly found systemic disorder in the patients affecting aggressiveness of infection. Conclusion: The most common source of odontogenic facial space infections is mandibular molars resulting spread to submandibular space. Diabetes Mellitus was the most common systemic disorder affecting host immunity. The proximity of oro-facial spaces with the critical areas makes it crucial for clinicians to identify the condition promptly and provide pertinent treatment in order to avoid the fatal complications as the rate of spread of facial space infection is very rapid.

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Dental caries, commonly known as cavities/tooth decay, is a widespread and one of the most prevalent diseases affecting people of all ages. Despite its prevalence, dental caries is largely preventable through good oral hygiene practices and reducing sugar intake. A variety of commercially available mouthwashes are being recommended by dental health professionals because of their antibacterial properties but their side effects limits the use of these mouth washes hence, plant based natural compounds are being evaluated for their antibacterial properties in the current study Salvia Officinalis was evaluated in this regard. Methodology: It was an in-vivo preclinical experimental study conducted from October 2022 to January 2023. The calculated sample size was n =60. The participants were given an envelope for group randomization. The organisms were grown on appropriate media and extract was prepared and diluted. The extract was diluted in distilled water at 1:4 (Extract: Distilled water) concentration. Study participants were instructed to not brush their teeth before sampling. Study participants were divided into three groups (negative control, positive control, Salvia Officinalis extract rinse group) each group had 20 participants. Diluted SO extract was given to the experimental group for rinses, distilled water was given to the negative control group and positive controls were given a standard commercially available mouth rinse. The next sample of plaque was collected after two hours to observe the effects of SO extract on bacterial colonies. Results: The pre and post-samples showed a significant (p-value <0.05) decrease in number of colonies in the positive control group (conventional rinse) and Salvia officinalis extract group. The intra-group comparison of negative and positive control showed a significant difference in number of colonies and the same was observed with the Salvia officinalis rinse. However, the positive control and Salvia officinalis extract comparison was insignificant. Conclusion: The invitro experiment highlighted that the S. officinalis plant extract has equivalent effects against S. mutans and P. gingivalis as that of commercially available mouth rinse. Keywords: Salvia officinalis, S. mutans, P. gingivalis, Moth rinse