Pathology of the Digestive System - Oral Cavity Tissues and Dental Conditions

Flashcards covering vocabulary terms for pathologies of the oral cavity and dental diseases from Chapter 9.

Canker sores

Also known as aphthous ulcers, gray-white pits with a red border in the soft tissues lining the mouth that are associated with stress, certain foods, or fever.

Ulcer

An open lesion of the skin or mucous membrane resulting in tissue loss around the edges.

Cheilitis

Also known as cheilosis, inflammation of the lips characterized by crack-like sores at the corners of the mouth.

Cold sores

Also known as herpes labialis or fever blisters, blister-like sores on the lips and adjacent facial tissue caused by oral herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).

Leukoplakia

An abnormal white, usually benign lesion (sore) that develops on the tongue or the inside of the cheek in response to chronic irritation.

Stomatitis

An inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth.

Oral thrush

A fungal infection in the mouth caused by Candida albicans, characterized by creamy white lesions on the tongue or inner cheeks.

Trismus

Also known as lockjaw, describes any restriction to the opening of the mouth caused by trauma, surgery, or radiation associated with the treatment of oral cancer.

Xerostomia

Also known as dry mouth, the lack of adequate saliva due to diminished secretions by the salivary glands.

Cleft lip

A birth defect in which there is a deep groove of the lip running upward to the nose as a result of the failure of this portion of the lip to close during prenatal development.

Cleft palate

The failure of the palate to close during the early development of the fetus, creating an opening between the nose and mouth that can involve the upper lip, hard palate, and/or soft palate.

Bruxism

The involuntary grinding of the teeth that usually occurs during sleep and is associated with tension or stress.

Dental caries

Also known as tooth decay or cavities, an infectious disease caused by bacteria that destroy the enamel and dentin of the tooth.

Dental plaque

Soft deposits consisting of bacteria and bacterial by-products that form in sheltered areas near the gums and between the teeth.

Edentulous

A term meaning without teeth, which describes the situation after the natural permanent teeth have been lost.

Halitosis

Also known as bad breath, an unpleasant odor coming from the mouth that can be caused by dental diseases or respiratory or gastric disorders.