What does normal oral mucosa look like?
Normal tissues of the buccal mucosa appear moist and pink/dark pink. They are soft and pliable on palpation with no discernible indurations.
Why is oral mucosa pink?
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.
Why is my oral mucosa white?
White patches of the oral mucosa are common and may represent a benign disorder (e.g. frictional keratosis), an oral potentially malignant disorder (e.g. leukoplakia), or malignancy (e.g. squamous cell carcinoma).
What does healthy mucosa look like?
The colour of oral mucosae in direct microscopy was described as pale-rosy to rosy, in accordance with colposcopic criteria, where a healthy epithelium is described as rosy to pale red [20].Jun 20, 2013
What does a Purple palate mean?
In a person with AIDS, purplish patches caused by Kaposi sarcoma. It is caused by human herpesvirus type 8 infection. One or a few spots may appear... read more may appear on the palate. Small red spots (called petechiae) on the palate (roof of the mouth) can be a sign of a blood disorder or infectious mononucleosis.
What does a yellow palate mean?
Jaundice is a serious condition caused by the buildup of a yellow pigment called bilirubin. This buildup is most commonly caused by liver or gallbladder dysfunction. When bilirubin builds up in the blood, it may cause the roof of your mouth to turn yellow.Sep 9, 2019
What are red and white lesions of oral cavity?
A mixture of red and white lesions suggests an irregular epithelial surface that may be caused by a variety of processes, including chronic trauma, inflammation and neoplasia.Nov 5, 2013
Are white patches in mouth normal?
Leukoplakia is a condition in which thick, white or grayish patches form usually inside your mouth. Smoking is the most common cause. But other irritants can cause this condition as well. Mild leukoplakia is usually harmless and often goes away on its own.
Is it normal to have white on back of tongue?
The sight of a white tongue reflected back at you in your bathroom mirror might look frightening, but this condition is usually harmless. White tongue refers to a white covering or coating on your tongue.
What colour should the inside of your mouth be?
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.
What does it mean when your tongue is black underneath?
Black tongue usually occurs due to a buildup of the protein keratin on the tongue's surface. However, an overgrowth of bacteria or fungi within the mouth can also cause the tongue to appear black. Black tongue is temporary and tends to clear up without treatment.Nov 29, 2019
How do you assess oral mucosa?
To check the oral mucosa, the patient's cheek is exposed with a tongue depressor and the tissues inspected with a penlight. Healthy tissue appears moist, smooth, shiny and pink. Stensen's duct is opposite the second molar.
What color is the mucosa?
The color of the oral mucosa varies from bluish-black to pale brown or deep chocolate-colored pigments spread over from the cheek mucosa to the corner of the mouth.
What causes pigmentation in the mouth?
Overactivity of the pituitary gland and pregnancy can lead to abnormal pigmentation of the lips and oral mucosa. Hemochromatosis (bronze diabetes), carotenemia and jaundice can lead to various types of pigmentation of the oral cavity.
What is the color of a melanotic macule?
Commonly seen on the vermillion border of the lips, the lesion is usually less then 1 cm in diameter. The color is brown to black and oval in shape.
What is exogenous pigmentation?
Exogenous pigmentation is a condition where pigments are sourced from external sources that either make contact with the inner mouth lining or ingested and deposited in the oral mucosa. It arises as a result of introduction of a metal or a drug within the body through the mucous membrane, intestinal tract or skin. The exogenous pigmentation can be accidental, iatrogenic or by poisoning.
Where does melanoma occur?
Melanoma of the oral mucosa can occur on the lip, anterior gum region and anterior aspect of the palate. It appears as a brown or black plaque like lesion with an irregular outline. The lesion progresses rapidly and may show zones of depigmenation.
What causes iatrogenic pigmentation?
Iatrogenic causes arise when treatment is undertaken for some reason thereby leading to oral pigmentation. The iatrogenic pigmentation of oral cavity is generally seen with metallic restorations such as dental amalgam. The lesion is commonly known as ‘amalgam tattoo’.
What is bismuth poisoning?
Bismuth poisoning is also known as bismuthism, which is caused by bismuth containing medicinal preparations. The oral manifestation of bismuthism includes oral pigmentation known as bismuth lines. It is a blue black colored lines that appears to be well demarcated on gingival papillae.
