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Odontogenic infection starts as localised infection and may remain localised to the region where it started, or spread into adjacent or distant areas. It is estimated that 90–95% of all orofacial infections originate from the teeth or their supporting structures and are the most common infections in the oral and maxilofacial region. [3]
Mouth infections, also known as oral infections, are a group of infections that occur around the oral cavity. They include dental infection , dental abscess , and Ludwig's angina . Mouth infections typically originate from dental caries at the root of molars and premolars that spread to adjacent structures.
The sanitation and hygiene barriers when placed correctly prevent the transmission of an infection through hands, water and food. The F-diagram can be used to show how proper sanitation (in particular toilets , hygiene , handwashing ) can act as an effective barrier to stop transmission of diseases via fecal–oral pathways.
Periapical periodontitis may develop into a periapical abscess, where a collection of pus forms at the end of the root, the consequence of spread of infection from the tooth pulp (odontogenic infection), or into a periapical cyst, where an epithelial lined, fluid-filled structure forms.
When pus drains into the mouth, a bad taste and smell are perceived. Usually drainage occurs via the periodontal pocket, or else the infection may spread as a cellulitis or a purulent odontogenic infection. Local anatomic factors determine the direction of spread (see fascial spaces of the head and neck).
Also infection can spread down the tissue spaces to the mediastinum which has significant consequences on the vital organs such as the heart. Another complication, usually from upper teeth, is a risk of sepsis traveling through pathways to which it can possibly lead to endocarditis , brain abscess (extremely rare), or meningitis (also rare).
Bacterial infection in the oro-facial region can lead to abscess and swelling. The rapid spread of this infection through connective tissue spaces, is often referred to as cellulitis. The clinical features of cellulitis are a painful, diffuse, brawny swelling. The overlying skin is red, tense and shiny.
[15]: 303 In this role, antibiotics suppress the infection until local measures can be carried out. Severe trismus may occur in when the muscles of mastication are involved in an odontogenic infection, making any surgical treatment impossible. Immunocompromised individuals are less able to fight off infections, and antibiotics are usually given.