Oral mucosal lesions

White and red patches, candidiasis, herpes, lichen planus, blistering diseases, tongue changes, jaw cysts, dry mouth and burning mouth.

11 pages

Oral pathology

• Blisters and erosions: pemphigus, pemphigoid and erythema multiformeBlisters that break into raw areas in the mouth can be the first sign of serious immune skin…
• Burning mouth syndromeA burning feeling in a mouth that looks normal, most often in women after menopause
• Cheilitis: cracked corners and sun-damaged lipsCracks at the corners of the mouth are usually Candida or Staphylococcus in a moist fold
• Herpes in the mouth: primary gingivostomatitis and cold soresFirst infection with herpes simplex causes painful mouth ulcers and swollen gums in young…
• Jaw cysts and odontogenic tumoursMost dark areas in the jaw on X-ray are cysts from teeth
• Mucocele and ranula: bluish swellings from salivary glandsA soft bluish bubble on the inner lower lip is usually a mucocele from a damaged minor salivary…
• Oral candidiasis (thrush)Candida overgrows when the mouth's defences fall: in babies, denture wearers, after antibiotics…
• Oral lichen planusA chronic immune condition that draws lacy white lines on both cheeks
• The tongue: geographic tongue, glossitis and what to worry aboutMany tongue changes are harmless variants

Approach to a complaint

• Dry mouth (xerostomia): approachDry mouth is most often caused by medicines
• White and red patches in the mouth: approachSome white patches rub off (thrush), most do not

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← Dentistry

Educational content; it does not replace assessment by a dentist or doctor and is not a clinical instruction. For facial or neck swelling with difficulty swallowing or breathing, a knocked-out tooth or bleeding that will not stop, go to an emergency department at once.

Representative model, for educational purposes only.