Oral sarcoidosis: a review of literature

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a common systemic granulomatous disease affecting multiple organs. Oral involvement is relatively rare and, to our knowledge, there have been only 64 cases reported in the English literature. Most cases of oral sarcoidosis present with mobility of the teeth due to rapid alveolar bone loss. Other oral manifestations include asymptomatic swelling of the involved mucosa, gingivitis and ulcers. Diagnosis of sarcoidosis is by exclusion as no specific test is available. Radiographic, biochemical and histological findings are non-specific, but helpful. All cases of sarcoidosis do not require treatment. Corticosteroids are the treatment of choice in patients requiring treatment. Other drugs such as chloroquine, methotrexate, infliximab and thalidomide are also used in the treatment of sarcoidosis. In most of the oral cases reported, systemic steroids and surgery were the preferred treatment.