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

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.