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How serious are oral infections?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 March 2006

Zaid H. Baqain ,
Laurence Newman  and
Nicholas Hyde
Zaid H. Baqain
Affiliation:
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan, UK.
Laurence Newman
Affiliation:
Maxillofacial Units, University College London Hospital, Mortimer Market, UK.
Nicholas Hyde
Affiliation:
St George’s Hospital, Cranmer Terrace London, UK.
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Abstract

Life-threatening conditions following dental infections have been rare since antibiotics were introduced into the world of medicine. However, infections spreading through the soft tissues of the head and neck are encountered occasionally and mortality is still reported as a result of sepsis or airway embarrassment. A case of Ludwig’s angina from odontogenic infection that progressed into mediastinitis and pericarditis is presented. The steps adopted in the management of this case highlight the significance of early recognition and diagnosis of the source of deep cervical infections, the importance of securing the airway, effecting surgical drainage and aggressive intravenous antibiotic therapy.

Keywords

Ludwig’s AnginaMediastinitisPericorditis
Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 118 , Issue 7 , July 2004 , pp. 561 - 565
Copyright
© 2004 Royal Society of Medicine Press

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