Poor Dental Hygiene in Pregnancy Leading to Submandibular Cellulitis and Intrauterine Fetal Demise: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Ludwig’s angina is an infectious process involving submandibular, sublingual, and submental spaces that can rapidly progress to hemodynamic instability and airway obstruction. A 38‑year‑old unbooked multipara of low socioeconomic status with a poor oral and dental hygiene presented with bilateral submandibular cellulitis and intrauterine fetal demise. She delivered vaginally, and subsequently drainage was done for cellulitis. The report highlights the importance of dental hygiene during pregnancy, lest life‑threatening complications like Ludwig’s angina occur, complicating the course of pregnancy.

Keywords: Cellulitis in pregnancy, intrauterine fetal demise, periodontal disease