The oral mucosa is a protective tissue in the mouth that can absorb materials and produce secretions. There are three types of oral mucosa, and its color can vary. Leukoplakia and squamous cell carcinoma are potential problems. Gum recession can lead to periodontal disease, and it’s important to treat infections and diseases of the mouth.
The oral mucosa is a specialized type of tissue that lines the mouth. This tissue is designed to provide protection for the body from infection and debris and is capable of producing secretions such as mucus, as well as absorbing materials placed in the mouth. The absorption tract is used to apply certain types of drugs, such as oral vaccines.
Three different types of oral mucosa can be found in the mouth. Around the tongue, cheeks, and hard palate, tissue is keratinized so it can resist the abrasiveness of chewing. Other areas have nonkeratinized tissue, which is more fragile and requires moist secretions to stay healthy. Taste buds are made up of a third type of highly specialized tissue. Similar types of mucous membranes can be found in other regions of the body, such as the eyes and genitals.
The color of the oral mucosa may vary depending on the color of the skin on the body. In some people, it is a pale pink, while others have a darker pink to brown texture. Extremely pale mucosa can be a sign that someone is anemic, while patchy or dark ones can be signs of a medical problem. A classic problem that develops with the oral mucosa is leukoplakia, in which white plaques of material appear in the mouth.
Because the tissue inside the mouth is constantly abraded, it is composed of squamous cells, flattened cells that adhere in layers to a basement membrane. These cells are easily scraped off without reaching this membrane and quickly grow back to repair minor cuts and abrasions. Like other types of tissue in the body, those in the mouth can become cancerous, with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) being the most common form of cancer appearing in this location.
The only area of the mouth not covered by the oral mucosa are the teeth. In some people, the gums that normally protect the base of the teeth may recede, exposing the jaw and tooth roots to infection and other problems. Gum recession is associated with periodontal disease, a dental condition that can have several causes. It is important that people receive treatment for all infections and diseases of the mouth, because the mucus lining is vulnerable to damage and can provide a conduit for infections to enter other areas of the body due to its absorbability.
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