BACKGROUND: Dental disorders and dental treatment are among the variety of causes of brain abscess.

CASE DESCRIPTION: The authors present the case of a patient who developed multiple brain abscesses after undergoing professional tooth cleaning. The results of a diagnostic work-up ruled out an underlying immunodeficiency. After receiving neurosurgical intervention and intensive care treatment by means of local and intravenous antibiotics for 24 days, the patient was transferred to another hospital for rehabilitation. Six months after the treatment, the patient still had moderate residual paresis of the left leg.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Although it happens rarely, professional tooth cleaning may be considered a cause of brain abscesses even in otherwise healthy patients.