Mouth and Gum conditions Flashcards
What is leukoplakia
White patches in the mouth, often on the tongue or insides of the cheeks.
What can leukoplakia and erythroplakia predispose to
Precancerous increasing the risk of SCC of the mouth
Presentation of leukoplakia
Asympomatic patches, irregular and slightly raised. They are fixed in place, meaning they cannot be scraped off
Management of leukoplakia
Stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake, close monitoring and potential laser removal surgery or surgical excision
What is erythroplakia
Red patches in the mouth
What is lichen planus
Autoimmune condition that causes localised chronic inflammation of the skin
Presentation of lichen planus
Shiny, purplish, flat-topped raised areas with white lines across the surface called Wickham’s striae. Often only affects the mouth.
Common age that lichen planus effects
Patients over 45 and more common in women
Three patterns of lichen planus
Reticular, erosive, plaque
Reticular pattern of lichen planus
Net-like web of white lines called Wickhams striae
Erosive pattern of lichen planus
Lesions are where the surface layer of the mucosa is eroded, leaving bright red and sore areas of mucosa.
Plaque pattern of lichen planus
larger continuous areas of white mucosa
Manage of lichen planus
Good oral hygiene, stopping smoking and topical steroids
What is gingivitis
Inflammation of the gums
Presentation of gingivitis
Swollen gums, bleeding after brushing, painful gums and bad breath.
