Clinical, therapeutic and prognostic aspects of dental cellulitis at Sangmélima Referral Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Dental cellulitis is a polymicrobial disease with clinical polymorphism. They are life threatening and require multidisciplinary management. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, therapeutic and prognostic aspects of dental cellulitis at the Sangmélima Referral Hospital.

Patients and Methods: This was a longitudinal, prospective study conducted in the odontostomatology departments, emergency department and operating theatre of the Sangmélima Referral Hospital. It was conducted from 1 January 2021 to 30 October 2023. All patients admitted for consultation with dental cellulitis were included. The variables studied were clinical, therapeutic and prognostic data. Data were coded and analysed using Epi Info 7.2.5.0 software. Quantitative data were represented as mean and standard deviation and qualitative
data as frequency.

Results: Forty-two patients were enrolled, with a predominance of males. The sex ratio was 1.3. The mean age was 36 years, with extremes ranging from 10 to 87. The most common risk factors were NSAID use (27.1%), poor oral hygiene (21.7%) and alcohol consumption (20.9%). Facial swelling was the main reason for consultation (47.6%). Serious signs were trismus (29.6%), fistulas (21.4%) and odynophagia (20.6%). The most common forms were circumscribed (64.3%). Dental caries was the main etiology (88.1%). Medical treatment (triple antibiotic therapy), surgery (incision-drainage) and etiological treatment were the principles of treatment. Mortality was 11.9%.

Conclusion: Dental cellulitis is a frequent and preventable condition. Educating the population,
improving access to care and promoting early consultation would be areas for improvement.