normal anatomy Flashcards
What are fordyce spots and where are they found?
Sebaceous glands that look like yellowish bumps
Found on buccal mucosa and lips
What is the incidence of fordyce spots?
Found in 60-75% of adults
What is linea alba?
A horizontal, a symptomatic white lesion found along the occlusal plane on the buccal mucosa
How does linea alba appear histologically?
Hyperkeratosis
A prominent, or reduced granular layer
Acanthosis
What is geographic tongue?
Loss of Filiform papillae - areas of tongue atrophy and hyperkeratinisation
Comes and goes and changes appearance
What is the incidence of geographic tongue?
Affects 3% of population
What are the symptoms of geographic tongue and how is it managed?
Mainly asymptomatic
Sometimes sensitive to hot and spicy foods and toothpaste - avoid trigger foods and use SLS free toothpaste
What is a fissured tongue and when does it usually present?
Variation of normal anatomy
Can occur later in life
No treatment is necessary
Commonly presents alongside geographic tongue
How is fissured tongue managed?
Encourage good oral hygiene
Consider lightly brushing the tongue
What is black hairy tongue?
Hyperplasia of the Filiform papillae
A build up of commensal bacteria and food debris
Pigment-inducing fungi and bacteria
What causes black hairy tongue?
Specific cause unknown
Associated with smoking, antibiotics, chlorhexidine mouthwash and poor oral hygiene
How is black hairy tongue treated?
Reassure patient
Stop smoking
Stay hydrated
Lightly brush the tongue
Gently exfoliate tongue surface with peach stones
What is desquamative gingivitis?
Full thickness erythema of the gingiva
Descriptive term not a specific diagnosis
Not caused by plaque but exacerbated by it
Associated with lots of conditions - important to manage periodontal disease in these cases
What is bony exostosis?
Usually benign overgrowth of calcified bone - can be associated with parafunction
What is the incidence of bony exostosis?
Affects 30-40% of the population
