Ludwig’s Angina- a Forgotten Crisis in the Field of Dentistry?

Authors: Vasanth S , Gnanam P and Selvaraj S

DOI: 10.23880/oajds-16000343

Volume 7, Issue 3

Abstract

Ludwig’s angina (LA) is an infection of the floor of the mouth that spreads rapidly. Originating as an oral infection, the patient exhibits symptoms like fever, and malaise involving the submandibular, sublingual, and submental spaces [1,2]. This can be seen at any age, even though middle age is the most common; the infection has a 2:1 male predilection. The most common comorbidities of LA are odontogenic infection (especially in the second and third mandibular molars), peritonsillar abscess, and mandibular fracture. Poor dental hygiene (responsible for 75–95% of cases), malnutrition, intravenous drug use, diabetes mellitus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, immunosuppression, and systemic lupus erythematosus are risk factors for the development of this condition.

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