Disease of Mouth
Cleft Lip
Classification
- Complete cleft lip: a complete cleft up to the nostril.
- Incomplete cleft lip: a cleft that does not reach the nostril.
- Bilateral cleft lip: a cleft on both sides of the lip.
Symptoms and Signs
- Asymmetric lip shape
- Cleft in the lip
- Difficulty feeding
- Difficulty speaking
Clinical Features
- Asymmetric lip shape
- Cleft in the lip
- Difficulty with feeding and speaking
- May have associated cleft palate
Investigation
- X-ray for cleft palate
- Speech evaluation for speech difficulties
Cleft Palate
Classification
- Complete cleft palate: a complete cleft in the roof of the mouth.
- Incomplete cleft palate: a cleft that does not reach the back of the mouth.
- Submucous cleft palate: a cleft that is hidden by the mucous membrane.
Clinical Features
- Asymmetric palate shape
- Cleft in the roof of the mouth
- Difficulty with feeding and speaking
- May have associated cleft lip
Investigation
- X-ray for cleft palate
- Speech evaluation for speech difficulties
Management of Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
Cleft Lip
- Surgery to repair the cleft lip
- Speech therapy to improve speech
- Orthodontic treatment to improve bite and alignment
Cleft Palate
- Surgery to repair the cleft palate
- Speech therapy to improve speech
- Orthodontic treatment to improve bite and alignment
Stomatitis
Types
- Aphthous stomatitis: painful ulcers in the mouth
- Herpetic stomatitis: viral ulcers in the mouth
- Contact stomatitis: ulcers caused by contact with irritants
Clinical Features
- Painful ulcers in the mouth
- Difficulty eating and speaking
- May have associated fever and swollen lymph nodes
Investigation
- Biopsy to rule out cancer
- Culture to rule out infection
Homoeopathic Treatment for Stomatitis
- Antimonium crudum: for aphthous stomatitis
- Arsenicum album: for herpetic stomatitis
- Graphites: for contact stomatitis
Ulcer of Tongue
Causes
- Trauma
- Irritation
- Infection
- Cancer
Clinical Examination
- Examination of the tongue for ulcers
- Examination of the mouth for other signs of disease
Investigations
- Biopsy to rule out cancer
- Culture to rule out infection
Homoeopathic Medicines for Ulcer of Tongue
- Antimonium crudum: for aphthous ulcers
- Arsenicum album: for herpetic ulcers
- Graphites: for contact ulcers
Carcinoma of Tongue
Causes
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol use
- Human papillomavirus infection
Clinical Examination
- Examination of the tongue for ulcers
- Examination of the mouth for other signs of disease
Investigations
- Biopsy to confirm cancer
- Imaging studies to assess extent of cancer
Physical Examination of the Oral Cavity
- Examination of the lips and cheeks for signs of disease
- Examination of the tongue and floor of the mouth for signs of disease
- Examination of the teeth and gums for signs of disease
Ranula
Definition
A ranula is a type of mucocele that occurs in the floor of the mouth.
Clinical Features
- A bluish, soft, and painless swelling in the floor of the mouth
- May cause difficulty swallowing and speaking
Investigation
- Imaging studies to assess extent of ranula
Management
- Surgical excision of the ranula
- Drainage of the ranula
- Antibiotics to prevent infection