You have probably heard time and time again from the dentist and your elders how regular oral hygiene is so important for your health. If you don’t look after your oral hygiene, it can lead to several health complications including Ludwig’s Angina.

The condition itself is quite rare but it serious enough to raise an alarm. When it occurs, it can start rapidly infecting the floor of the mouth and the neck, resulting in deep neck infections. It is so serious that many dental experts label it as a life-threatening condition that should be treated by qualified medical practitioners immediately. 

Routine dental visits to dentists can help identify the condition early on and help you treat it before it gets worse. Today we’re going to explain what causes Ludwig’s Angina and how you can prevent it.

The Causes of Ludwig’s Angina

• According to dental professionals, 9 out of 10 patients exhibit signs of the condition in their lower molars which become severely infected. When the lower teeth suffer from an injury or decay, the bacteria can start to infect the inner portion of the teeth and it can result in an abscess.

If this is left untreated, the infection can easily start to spread from the teeth to the surrounding areas of the mouth. The bacteria do not stay in one place and give rise to germs that eventually pushes through the teeth and create a path for themselves. This results in infection of the surrounding areas of the mouth.

• Ludwig’s Angina happens when the soft tissue of the floor of the mouth becomes infected. People who have cavities, diabetes, or a weak immune system are usually at a higher risk of developing Ludwig’s Angina. 

Preventing Ludwig’s Angina

• The best solution against this rapid infection is to maintain optimal oral health and follow good oral hygiene practices at home. But this isn’t limited to brushing and flossing your teeth every day. 

You have to follow a good nutrition plan and visit the dentist at least twice a year. Keep brushing your teeth with a fresh toothbrush and maintain daily flossing to keep infections away. 

• If you detect symptoms of Ludwig, then make sure to consult a dentist. The doors at Icon Dental Center Seattle and Everett are always open for you. So don’t forget to take an appointment or walk into our dental office for a routine dental checkup. Early detection is key to preventing or treating this condition.

Ludwig’s Angina Treatment Options

If the condition has worsened for you, a medical practitioner can help you with the treatment options. You will likely be prescribed antibiotics to cure the infection. Sometimes tooth extraction will also be necessary especially if the tooth has been severely infected. 

If the infection resulted in an abscess in the tissue, the medical practitioner or your dental surgeon will likely perform a procedure to drain the tissue using an incision. The sooner you get Ludwig’s Angina treated, the better it is for you. 

According to professionals, the mortality rate for this condition is about 8% which is not that high but it does not mean that you should ignore the signs and symptoms. Don’t delay and get in touch with your dentist today.