lnfections of the floor of the mouth

Abstract

ln the preantibiotic era, infections of the floor of the mouth were
frequently fatal; however, antibiotics and aggressive surgical intervention have significantly reduced mortality.

We reviewed 21 patients with infections of the ffoor of t he mouth
between January 1990 and March 2005. Dental problems were
present in 47,67%; pharyngotonsillar infection was present in
33,33% and in 19,04% of ali cases the cause wa s unknown. Two or more bacteria were iso/ate of purulent material in 38%.

Ali patients were treated with in travenous broad-spectrum antibiotics, and 61,90% needed surgical drainage. Tracheotomy was necessary in 38,09% o f the cases.