Ludwig’s angina is a rare skin infection (severe form cellulitis) that occurs on the floor of the mouth, underneath the tongue.
It causes swelling in the tissues under the tongue and in the neck.
The swelling can be so severe that it cuts off the person’s airways and prevents them from swallowing saliva.
If a person does not receive treatment, Ludwig’s angina can be fatal.
This bacterial infection often occurs after an infection of the roots of the teeth (tooth abscess), which is a collection of pus in the centre of a tooth often in the lower molars (especially the second and third).
The roots of these teeth are below the level of the attachment of the mylohyoid muscle to the mandible and so infection can spread to the submylohyoid space and then into the submandibular and sublingual space leading to tongue enlargement and airway obstruction.
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Dentist) for further advice
Detailed Information
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