Ulcerative and erosive lesions of the oral mucosa

ABSTRACT

A mucosal ulcer is a breach in the epithelial continuity that results in the exposure of underlying connective tissue to the external environment. Mucosal erosion, on the other hand, is a shallow depression resulting from the loss of a few layers of epithelial cells. In erosive lesions the connective tissue is not exposed to the external environment. In dental practice oral mucosal ulcers and erosions are commonly encountered. Most ulcerative and a few erosive lesions are symptomatic and patients seek consultation for relief from discomfort and pain. Oral ulceration and erosion can result from several causes which may operate at local or systemic levels. Diagnosis of oral ulcerative and erosive lesions is not easy. This is because of the fact that ulcers, in particular, may often look clinically similar regardless of the differences in their causative factors. Some ulcers may also possess malignant potential or frank malignant features at the time of patient's first visit (AU)