Introducing the FATLIPS acronym for assessing the red flag clinical features of dental infection

Abstract

Introduction Dental infection can progress to life-threatening cervicofacial and deep space infections. Therefore, safe management requires early identification of serious infections in primary care with appropriate referral to secondary care. We have developed an acronym to aid assessment of the red flag clinical features for serious dental infection in primary care by general dental practitioners. Materials and methods Literature review and focus group discussions. Results We introduce the FATLIPS acronym for assessment of red flag features of dental infection: failed previous treatment(s), airway compromise, trismus, look (lower border mandible, orbit, oral, neck), immunosuppression, pyrexia, swallowing difficulties. Conclusion We propose the FATLIPS red flags acronym to help dentists assess the red flag features of dental infections in primary care.