Mouth and Dental Disorders
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Biology of the Mouth and Teeth
The mouth is the entrance to both the digestive and the respiratory systems. The inside of the mouth is lined with mucous membranes. When healthy, the lining of the mouth (oral mucosa) ranges in color from reddish pink to gradations of brown or black. The oral mucosa tends to be darker in dark-skinned individuals because their melanocytes (cells that produce melanin, a pigment that gives hair, skin, and eyes their color) are more active. The gums (gingivae) are usually paler by comparison and fit snugly around the teeth. -
Symptoms of Oral and Dental Disorders
Bad breath is a frequent or persistent unpleasant odor to the breath. -
Lip and Tongue Disorders
Burning mouth syndrome is mouth pain, usually involving the tongue, in people who do not have any visible sores or abnormalities in their mouth. -
Periodontal Diseases
Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) is a painful infection of the gums, causing fever, sometimes foul-smelling breath, and feeling ill. -
Temporomandibular Disorders
The temporomandibular joints are the connections between the temporal bones of the skull and the lower jawbone (mandible). There are two temporomandibular joints, one on each side of the face just in front of the ears. Ligaments, tendons, and muscles support the joints and are responsible for jaw movement. -
Tooth Disorders
Common tooth disorders include -
Urgent Dental Problems
Certain dental problems require prompt treatment to relieve discomfort and minimize damage to the structures of the mouth. Such urgent dental problems include
