Examination of the Oral Cavity

Abstract

Dentists should have a special interest in the physical examination of the oral cavity since the mouth is the anatomical area of the body for which they are the ultimate authority. This chapter provides greater emphasis on possible findings and interpretation of data. The vermilion border, a zone of specialized non-mucus-producing tissue, is bounded by the facial skin and the moist labial mucosa of the mouth. Traumatic lesions and recurrent aphthous stomatitis are commonly observed on the labial and buccal mucosa. The clinical manifestations of many diseases, either local or systemic, characteristically affect the lips, labial, or buccal mucosa, hard palate, soft palate and tonsillar areas, tongue, floor of the mouth, gingivae, and teeth. The evaluation and integration of the clinical appearance and characteristics of a disease, along with the history of development and other appropriate diagnostic findings, are often necessary to determine the final diagnosis.