Oral Medicine Glossary

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Aphthous ulcer (canker sore)

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a specific type of ulcer in the mouth due to unknown cause(s) which is usually solitary, found on unattached tissue, approximately .6 cm in diameter; typically it heals without scarring in 10-14 days.

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Candidal infection

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a yeast infection caused by Candida albicans which commonly occurs in the mouth especially in immunocompromised patients, following antibiotic treatment, and in xerostomic patients.

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Carcinoma

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a malignant new growth made up of epithelial cells tending to infiltrate the surrounding tissues and give rise to metastases. Example: squamous cell carcinoma from the squamous cells forming the mucous membrane.

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Cheilitis

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inflammation affecting the lips:

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Actinic cheilitis

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development of a scaly crust on the vermilion border after exposure to actinic rays from sun exposure.

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Angular cheilitis:

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inflammation at the comers of the mouth, most commonly associated with inadequate vertical dimensions of dentures and candidal infection.

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Cheilosis

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a condition marked by fissuring and dry scaling of the vermilion surface of the lips -often used interchangeably with cheilitis.

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Cervical

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pertaining to the neck. Example: cervical lymphadenopathy; enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck.

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Congenital

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existing at, and usually before, birth.

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Cyst

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any closed cavity or sac lined by epithelium and especially one that contains a liquid or semisolid material; many cysts are developmental and are named after the tissue (dermoid cyst, dentigerous around the tooth) or location (median anterior maxillary).

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Fordyce granules:

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a developmental abnormality characterized by enlarged and ectopic sebaceous glands that appear as yellowish papules on the oral mucosa.

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Frenum

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a restraining structure or part; Example: lingual frenum in the floor of the mouth restrains the tongue.

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Glossitis

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inflammation of the tongue

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Halitosis

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bad mouth or breath odor.

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Hereditary

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the genetic transmission of a particular quality or trait from parent to offspring.

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Hyperplasia

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an abnormal increase in the number of normal cells in the normal arrangement for the tissue.

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Leukoplakia

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a clinical term meaning white patch; it does not necessarily imply any particular disease state.

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Lymphadenopathy

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enlargement of the lymph nodes secondary to a disease state; Example: lymphadenopathy secondary to a tooth abscess.

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Neoplasia

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an abnormal progressive multiplication of cells:

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Benign neoplasia

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favorable for recovery; often these are named after the affected tissue such as fibroma (connective tissue), hemangioma (blood vessels), lipoma (fat tissue), lymphangioma (lymphatic tissue).

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Malignant neoplasia

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a progressive neoplasm that tends to increase in virulence, can invade and spread throughout the body, may result in death.

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Objective findings

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findings detected by the care provider through examination such as hemorrhage, discoloration of teeth or soft tissues, swelling, and abnormal consistency.

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Sjogren’s syndrome

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a symptom complex usually occurring in middle-aged or older women characterized by dryness in mouth, pharynx and eyes as well as enlargement of the salivary glands

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Stomatitis

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inflammation of the oral mucosa due to local or systemic factors

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Stomatitis nicotina

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irritation of the epithelium of the palate from the heat and chemicals in tobacco products

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Subjective symptoms and signs

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findings recognized and reported by the patient such as pain, anesthesia, nausea, recent changes in color.

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Syndrome

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a set of symptoms which occur together; a symptom complex

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Systemic disease

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affecting one or more body systems (heart, lung, and kidney) and often the body as a whole with multi organ effects; Examples: diabetes, HIV infection.

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Tumor

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a swelling of the tissues; it does not necessarily imply neoplastic process.

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Xerostomia

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dry mouth which can result from a variety of causes including medications, underlying systemic diseases such as HIV infection, and treatments such as radiation therapy.