11/07/2026
Ludwig's angina
Ludwig's angina is a serious, rapidly spreading bacterial infection of the soft tissues under the tongue and the floor of the mouth. It usually starts from an infected lower molar tooth (tooth abscess) and can spread quickly into the neck, causing swelling that may block the airway. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate hospital treatment. �
NCBI +1
Causes
Untreated tooth abscess (especially lower second or third molars)
Severe dental decay
Mouth injury
Jaw infections �
NCBI +1
Signs and symptoms
Painful swelling under the jaw and tongue
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Difficulty speaking ("hot potato" voice)
Drooling
Fever
Difficulty breathing
Swollen or raised tongue
Neck swelling and pain �
MedlinePlus +1
Complications
Airway obstruction (can be life-threatening)
Sepsis (infection spreading throughout the body)
Death if not treated promptly �
NCBI +1
Treatment
Immediate hospitalization
Securing the airway if breathing is threatened
Intravenous (IV) antibiotics
Surgical drainage if pus is present
Treatment of the infected tooth after the infection is controlled �
NCBI +1
Prevention
Maintain good oral hygiene.
Treat tooth decay and dental infections early.
Visit a dentist regularly for check-ups.
