Cutaneous sinus of dental origin

A cutaneous sinus of dental origin is where a dental infection drains onto the surface of the skin of the face or neck. This is uncommon as usually dental infections drain into the mouth, typically forming a parulis ("gumboil").

Cutaneous sinuses of dental origin tend to occur under the chin or mandible. Without elimination of the source of the infection, the lesion tends to have a relapsing and remitting course, with healing periods and periods of purulent discharge.