Bacterial infections of oral soft tissues.

Bacterial infections of the oral soft tissues are not particularly common. When they occur, they can often be rapidly progressive and even fatal without prompt diagnosis, drainage, and antibiotic therapy. Most infections are caused by endogenous oral bacteria that have overcome the host immune system as a result of surgery or, more frequently, because of underlying defects in the innate or specific immune systems. The role of oral anaerobes in these infections is increasingly being realized, and empirical antibiotic therapy should always take account of the possibility of anaerobic involvement in any infection. More research is required into infected mucositis in patients with hematologic malignancies and the possible importance of enterobacteria in infections of the oral mucosa in debilitated patients. Surveillance cultures may help improve management of therapy.