Abstract: Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with oral and maxillofacial space infections, and to explore the significance of blood tests and bacterial cultures in diagnosis and treatment. Methods: The medical records of 268 patients with maxillofacial space infections from 2017 to 2023 were reviewed. Results: Male patients accounted for 62.69%, while females accounted for 37.31%. The most common age group affected was 51-60 years. A high proportion of patients were from rural areas, and the largest occupation group was farmers. The diagnosis of maxillofacial space infections was the most common, with left-sided infections being more prevalent than those on the right. Streptococcus anginosus and streptococcus constellatus were the most common bacteria isolated in cultures. The number of white blood cells correlated with the length of hospital stay. Lower counts indicated milder infections and shorter hospitalizations. Hypertension was the most common complication observed. Conclusion: Blood tests and bacterial cultures can provide indicators of infection severity and therapeutic effectiveness. It is recommended to conduct regular oral examinations and professional cleanings, promptly treat oral diseases, and maintain good oral hygiene habits to prevent maxillofacial space infections.

Key words: oral and maxillofacial space infections, blood routine, bacteriology