Ludwig's angina most commonly originates from which source?

• A. Otitis media
• B. Sinusitis
• C. Dental infections
• D. Tonsillitis

Answer: (C)

Ludwig's angina is a rapidly spreading cellulitis of the floor of the mouth that almost always originates from an odontogenic infection, most commonly from the lower molar teeth. The roots of these teeth can drain into the nearby submandibular and sublingual spaces, and through the mylohyoid and surrounding fascial planes the infection quickly tracks into both spaces. This anatomical route explains why dental infections are the classic source and the one most often implicated in Ludwig’s angina. Other sites like ear infections, sinusitis, or tonsillitis can lead to neck infections, but they are much less likely to be the origin of Ludwig’s angina compared with dental sources.