Ludwig's Angina

Severe cellulitis of the submaxillary space with secondary involvement of the sublingual and submental space. It usually results from infection in the lower molar area or from a penetrating injury to the mouth floor. (From Dorland, 27th ed)

Cellulitis

An acute, diffuse, and suppurative inflammation of loose connective tissue, particularly the deep subcutaneous tissues, and sometimes muscle, which is most commonly seen as a result of infection of a wound, ulcer, or other skin lesions.

Infection

Invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissues, which may be clinically inapparent or result in local cellular injury. A local infection may persist and spread by extension to become an acute, subacute, or chronic clinical infection or disease state. It may also become systemic when the microorganisms gain access to the lymphatic or vascular system. (From Dorland, 27th ed)

Molar

The most posterior teeth on either side of the jaw, totaling eight in the deciduous dentition (2 on each side, upper and lower), and usually 12 in the permanent dentition (three on each side, upper and lower). They are grinding teeth, having large crowns and broad chewing surfaces. (Jablonski, Dictionary of Dentistry, 1992, p821)

Mouth

The oval-shaped oral cavity located at the apex of the digestive tract and consisting of two parts: the vestibule and the oral cavity proper.

Part of the oral cavity bounded laterally and ventrally by the alveolar arches and their contained TEETH. Its roof is formed by the PALATE and it communicates posteriorly with the OROPHARYNX.

Slitlike space in the ORAL CAVITY, bounded externally by the LIPS and CHEEK, and internally by the GINGIVA and TEETH.