As of November 1, 2011 the world’s population is estimated to be 7 billion. Within this mass of humanity is a substantial number of people that are elderly; the graying of the world’s population is predicted to produce millions of individuals with systemic medical conditions that can affect oral health and dental treatment.
Leukoplakias are usually asymptomatic and are initially noticed by a dentist during a routine examination.
Oral pigmentation is a relatively common condition that may involve any portion of the oral cavity. Multiple causes are known, and they may range from simple iatrogenic mechanisms, such as implantation of dental amalgam, to complex medical disorders, such as Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.
Several causes of gingival hyperplasia are known, and the most recognized is drug-induced gingival enlargement.
The most common complaint is that of an asymptomatic or mildly tender, solitary, nonhealing ulcer of variable duration.
Halitosis can be an important social problem in which the standard dental treatments and mouthwashes that are often recommended provide only temporary relief.
The oral cavity functions as the interface between the respiratory/digestive tracts and the outside world. Itcontributes to a complex array of functions that include speech, mastication, salivation, early digestion, and oral/oronasal competence.
Laser vaporization offers a precise means of treating mouth lesions that reduces the potential for pain and scarring.
The management of malignant neoplasms of the tongue base remains difficult despite recent advances in surgical techniques and multidisciplinary treatment programs.
The oral cavity is the primary site of verbal human communication. It has many additional important functionalroles, including bolus preparation and formation, taste, and deglutition.