PURPOSE : To review the characteristics of head and neck infections, accumulate prospective data of the microbial flora in head and neck infections and their antibiotic sensitivity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical trial was conducted on 90 patients with head and neck infections of odontogenic origin. Pus sample was collected from the site of infection under controlled aseptic conditions.

RESULTS: Male patients dominated over female patients, mandibular molar were commonly involved affecting submandibular, sublingual and pterygomandibular space. A total of 141 strains were isolated. Although culture and sensitivity showed resistance to penicillin group of drugs but clinically not relevant. Carbapenams had no resistance from all strains of microorganisms.

CONCLUSION: The gold standard to date in the management of odontogenic infections is removal of etiology, drainage of pus and penicillins with β– lactamase inhibitors. Fulminant infections usually require aggressive therapy.