Submandibular space

Signs and symptoms of a submandibular space infection might include trismus (difficulty opening the mouth), inability to palpate (feel) the inferior border of the mandible and swelling of the face over the submandibular region.

If the space contains pus, the usual treatment is by incision and drainage.

The site of the incision is extra-oral, and usually made 2–3 cm below, and parallel to, the inferior border of the mandible.

Ludwig's angina is a serious infection involving the submandibular, sublingual and submental spaces bilaterally.

[3] Ludwig's angina may extend into the pharyngeal and cervical spaces, and the swelling can compress the airway and cause dyspnoea (difficulty breathing).

Diagram of medial surface of the mandible, showing the slanting attachment of mylohyoid (the mylohyoid line). This arrangement means that the apices of posterior teeth are more likely to be below the level of mylohyoid.
Left submandibular space (right side shown with digastric muscle removed).