Pediatric Orofacial Odontogenic Infections

Head and neck infection in children are common. Children with facial swelling, pain and fever are often seen first by a Pediatrician, they may then be evaluated by a number of specialists before being seen by the Pedodontist. Although many of the tenets of treating maxillofacial infections in adults also apply to pediatric patients, important differences in younger patients must be considered. The challenge of pediatric care is the recognition and treatment of unique anatomical and physiological conditions that occur in growing and relatively vulnerable child patients. Treatment may be complicated by their small physical size, multiple anatomic structures [sinuses, teeth, salivary glands, skin] present within this small area result in significant clinical and bacteriologic variability, unique physiological responses, emotional immaturity, and difficulty in obtaining an accurate history. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential because pediatric patients may become systemically ill within a short period of time. The aim of current book is to overview briefly about the clinical features, diagnosis and management of different oro-facial odontogenic infections seen in children.