Pattern of management of oro-facial infection in children: A retrospective

Abstract

Background The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution and management of orofacial infection in children treated at one of the major hospitals in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia over a 12-month period during the year 2014. Methods Data from the clinical records of 94 children (33 girls, 61 boys; aged 2–14 years) who presented for treatment of orofacial infection at the emergency dental department of the military hospital in Jeddah during a 12-month period. Patients were treated with antibiotic therapy. A favorable outcome was determined based on length of hospital stay. Results The results indicated that the most common cause of odontogenic infection in Saudi children was dental caries (88%). The primary posterior teeth (84%) were considered to be a major source of infection. The most commonly affected teeth were the primary first molars (34%), followed by the primary second molars (31%). Six children were hospitalized; four of these stayed less than 4 days, which was considered a short hospital stay. The most common treatment was antibiotics as 93% received a type of antibiotic. Conclusions The most common cause of odontogenic infection was dental caries which has been treated with antibiotic prescription and dental procedures.