Oral Cavity, Inflammatory Diseases

Synonyms

Inflammation; Inflammatory lesion

Definition

An inflammation is a non‐specific immune response in reaction to any type of injury: pathogenic organisms, injuries, foreign bodies or ionising radiation. It may remain localized, sub‐clinically and temporarily if the body's defensive mechanisms are effective. An inflammation can be acute, primary‐chronic or an acute inflammation may persist and spread by extension to become a subacute or chronic state. Inflammations of the oral mucosa are called depending on their localization as follows:

• Glossitis—inflammation of the tongue

• Stomatitis—inflammation of larger parts of the oral mucosa

• Gingivitis—inflammation of the gum

• Cheilitis—inflammation of the lips

If deeper structures are involved it might be a phlegmon or abscess.

Pathology

Regarding the severity, macroscopic appearance, pathogenic agent and extent of the inflammatory process, various kinds of inflammation in the oral cavity do occur.

Aphthae are intra‐epithelial cavities with...