ICD-10 Code K12.2 – Cellulitis and abscess of mouth (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K12.2 – Cellulitis and abscess of mouth
What it is
K12.2 identifies cellulitis and abscess involving the mouth tissues. Use it for a localized bacterial soft-tissue infection in the oral cavity when documentation states cellulitis, abscess, or both.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include oral pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness, sometimes with pus or fluctuance. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use K12.2 when the provider documents cellulitis or abscess of the mouth, including infection of oral soft tissues. It fits cases where the diagnosis is clearly in the mouth rather than the teeth, gums, or salivary glands. Check documentation if the site is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for dental abscesses, gingival disease, or salivary gland infections unless the record specifically identifies mouth cellulitis or abscess. If the source or anatomic site is different, choose the documented condition.
Coding tip
Confirm the exact oral site in the note, because “mouth infection” alone may be too vague for accurate code assignment.