Oral microbiology: periodontal pathogens, odontogenic infections
Oral Pathology and Oral Microbiology · Dental (BDS)
Tooth explorer
Interactive 3DPeel through enamel, dentin and pulp — then switch to implants, braces or dentures.
Controls
Drag the sliders or type a value — the simulation updates live.
%
0%1%
Study notes
A lower molar infection causes swelling under the jaw and the tongue feels raised. Why is this urgent? Infection from lower molars drains toward the submandibular and sublingual spaces. If both submandibular spaces plus the sublingual space fill with pus (Ludwig's angina), the tongue is pushed upward and backward, threatening the airway. Students learn this anatomical pathway because recognizing the pattern — bilateral jaw swelling with a raised tongue — is a life-saving observation.
Related topics
- Developmental anomalies: teeth, jaws, oral soft tissues
- Dental caries: etiology, classification, histopathology
- Diseases of pulp and periapical tissues
- Periodontal disease: gingivitis, periodontitis pathology
- Oral mucosal lesions: traumatic, infective, immune-mediated
- Potentially malignant disorders: leukoplakia, erythroplakia, OSMF, lichen planus