A fatal case of empyema thoracis: the price for underestimating odontogenic infections

•Odontogenic infection still results in death in our environment.•There is limited number of skilled manpower to manage odontogenic infections in our environment.•There is the need for improved public awareness on the dangers of underestimating oral infections.•Oral health care should be easily accessible to all.

Most dental infections are often underestimated by both patients and professional health care givers. When poorly managed, odontogenic infections may result in serious morbidity and life-threatening conditions. This article reports a fatal case of empyema thoracis in a 16-year-old male after an odontogenic infection. The challenges of management in our environment are discussed. Furthermore, the importance of understanding the route of spread after odontogenic infections is highlighted.