Prevalence, Characteristics, and Predictive Factors of Dentoalveolar and Spreading Odontogenic Infections in Children Treated Under General Anaesthesia

Background: Children receiving dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA) often have odontogenic infections (OIs). Early detection and treatment of patients at risk of OIs can improve oral health and prevent early tooth extractions. Aim: To investigate the prevalence, characteristics, and predictive factors of OIs in children receiving dental treatment under GA. Design: This retrospective study included children (< 16 years) receiving GA dental treatment at New Children's Hospital in Helsinki, Finland. The associations between predictor variables and OI were evaluated through logistic regression analyses. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Results: Of 1089 patients, 352 (32%) had signs of OI. The most common infection findings were fistula (59%) and abscess formation (36%). Primary teeth were involved in 96% of cases. Severe odontogenic infections were rare (3%). The odds of OIs were significantly higher among girls compared to boys (OR = 1.346; 95% CI: 1.043–1.737; p = 0.022). Patients with previous GA dental treatment, neurodevelopmental disorders, chronic diseases, or intellectual disabilities had fewer OIs. Conclusion: OIs are common in patients undergoing dental treatment under GA, with nearly one-third having findings of infections. However, severe OIs are rare in children. Girls have OIs more often than boys, which should be taken into consideration by dentists.