Odontogenic Peri-Mandibular Cellulitis in Adults : Clinical Profile and Treatment at Owendo University Hospital (CHUO)

Abstract

Introduction: Odontogenic peri-mandibular cellulitis is a serious, life-threatening infection of the celluloid tissues of the mandible. Our aim is to investigate the clinical and therapeutic profile of odontogenic peri-mandibular cellulitis in adults. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive, monocentric study conducted at the Department of Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery from 2020 to 2022. Patients aged at least 18 years treated for odontogenic circumscribed perimandibular cellulitis were included. The following were excluded: diffuse cellulitis, maxillary cellulitis, records that could not be used. The following parameters were studied: socio-clinical data (age, sex, habits and lifestyle, factors contributing to cellulitis, consultation time, physical examination, puncture fluid); therapeutic data (treatment method, evolution). Results: 98 cases were collected, giving a prevalence of 15%. The mean age was 33.3 years. Men accounted for 54% of patients, with a sex ratio of 1.17. 53.1% of patients brushed their teeth once a day. 81.6% of patients were self-medicating with NSAIDs. 57.1% consumed alcohol and 90.8% consumed sweets. 48.0% of patients consulted between D4 and D7 for swelling. 48.0% of patients had submylohyoid cellulitis. 76% had a purulent collection. 60.2% received medical/surgical treatment compared to 39.8% who received medical treatment only. 60.2% of cases benefited from incisional drainage and 73.5% from mechanotherapy. The course was favourable in 83.7% of cases. Conclusion: Odontogenic peri-mandibular cellulitis is common and affects young male patients. NSAIDs are the main risk factor and swelling is the main mode of onset. Treatment is medical-surgical with a favourable outcome.