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Ludwig's angina - Overview

Alternative Names

Submandibular space infection; Sublingual space infection

Definition of Ludwig's angina:

Ludwig's angina is a bacterial infection of the floor of the mouth.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Ludwig's angina is a type of cellulitis that involves inflammation of the tissues of the floor of the mouth, under the tongue. It often occurs after an infection of the roots of the teeth (such as tooth abscess) or a mouth injury.

This condition is uncommon in children.

Oropharynx

Reviewed last on: 3/2/2009
Daniel Levy, MD, PhD, Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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