Hygiene Atlas

Atlas · Plate I · Head and Neck Anatomy · 08

Fascial spaces and spread of infection

Fascial spaces are connected planes between tissues, so a dental infection can track from a tooth into the neck. Mandibular second and third molar infections tend to reach the submandibular space because their apices sit below the mylohyoid line. Ludwig angina, a cellulitis of the submandibular, sublingual and submental spaces on both sides, can close off the airway.

High-yield facts · 4

  1. Fascial spaces link up, so dental infections can spread from the teeth into the neck.T4
  2. Ludwig angina is bilateral cellulitis of the submandibular, sublingual and submental spaces; it can block the airway.T4
  3. Mandibular second and third molar infections tend to spread into the submandibular space (apices below the mylohyoid line).T4
  4. Maxillary canine infections can spread through the canine space to the cavernous sinus.T4

Facts are written in our own words; each tag links to its source. Values marked "sources vary" differ between references, so check the one your program uses.