Deep Neck Infections Ludwig's angina is an infection in the floor of the mouth. This is an emergency because it causes the tongue to be pushed up and back and will obstruct the patient's airway.
Treatment is a tracheotomy and incision and drainage of the abscess.
Of note, the most common cause for this abscess is the teeth. The mylohyoid line on the inner aspect of the body of the mandible descends in a slanting nature such that the tips of the roots of the second and third molars are behind and below this line. Therefore, if these teeth are abscessed, the pus will go into the submandibular space and may spread to the parapharyngeal space. These patients present with swelling, redness, pain and fever. Usually, the infected tooth is not painful.