[Cervicofacial ulcerations caused by dental infection in children]

Arch Pediatr. 2006 Feb;13(2):149-51. doi: 10.1016/j.arcped.2005.10.018. Epub 2005 Dec 5.
[Article in French]

Abstract

In children, chronic cervicofacial ulceration related to dental infection is rare. Thus the diagnosis is often late and the treatment is consequently delayed. We report 2 new cases.

Cases report: A 13-year-old boy presented with a 1-year history of chronic and suppurative ulceration on the right cheek. Culture was positive for actinomycetes. In spite of a prolonged and miscellaneous antibiotherapy, the lesion recured. The ulceration healed after the eradication of infection on a right superior molar. A 12-year-old girl presented with a right sub-mandibular ulceration, which appeared 3 months before. This lesion did not respond to penicillinotherapy given during 3 months. An infection on a right inferior molar was diagnosed on a tomodensitometry. 3 months after the tooth extraction, the ulceration healed without recurrence.

Conclusion: These cases emphasize the interest to look for a dental infection at the origin of chronic cervicofacial lesion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Actinobacteria / isolation & purification*
  • Adolescent
  • Cheek
  • Child
  • Female
  • Focal Infection, Dental / complications*
  • Focal Infection, Dental / diagnosis
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mandibular Diseases / microbiology*
  • Recurrence
  • Skin Ulcer / microbiology*