From the Guidelines
Yes, oral mucosa infections can cause cellulitis, as bacteria from the oral cavity can penetrate through breaks in the mucosa and invade the deeper tissues of the face and neck, leading to diffuse, superficial, spreading skin infections. According to the practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections: 2014 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1, cellulitis refers to diffuse, superficial, spreading skin infections, which can be caused by the spread of infection from the oral mucosa. Key points to consider in the diagnosis and management of cellulitis caused by oral mucosa infections include:
- The primary treatment of cellulitis is antimicrobial therapy, whereas for purulent collections, the major component of management is drainage of the pus, with antimicrobial therapy either being unnecessary or having a subsidiary role 1
- Common bacteria involved in oral mucosa infections that can cause cellulitis include Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species, as well as anaerobic bacteria normally found in the mouth
- Treatment typically involves antibiotics, and prompt treatment is essential as facial cellulitis can rapidly progress and potentially lead to serious complications, including airway obstruction, cavernous sinus thrombosis, or sepsis. It is crucial to address the underlying oral infection through dental procedures, drainage of abscesses, or other appropriate interventions to prevent recurrence, and hospitalization with intravenous antibiotics may be necessary for severe infections, especially those involving the floor of the mouth or neck (Ludwig's angina), which can compromise the airway.
From the Research
Oral Mucosa Infection and Cellulitis
- Oral mucosa infections can be caused by various factors, including bacterial, viral, and fungal infections 2.
- These infections can lead to various complications, including cellulitis, which is an infection of the cellular adipose tissue located in the aponeurotic spaces 3.
- Cellulitis can be classified based on location, severity, and evolution, and can be caused by odontogenic infections, which are infections related to dental pathology 3.
- The oral mucosa plays a crucial role in tissue-specific and systemic immunity, and imbalance of local responses can lead to tissue-specific disease susceptibilities, such as periodontitis 4.
- While there is no direct evidence that oral mucosa infection can cause cellulitis, odontogenic infections can spread to the aponeurotic compartments and cause cellulitis 3.
- The treatment of cellulitis includes antibiotic therapy, incision and drainage, and complementary medical care, and the route and duration of antibiotic therapy can vary depending on the severity of the infection 5, 6.