Diseases of the oral cavity – the variety of diseases of the oral cavity results from the fact that many different structures make up the oral cavity.
Tooth decay and the resulting inflammation of the dental pulp (pulpitis) and of the tissues around the tooth root and the jawbone (periapical periodontitis) are among its most common diseases. Abnormalities in the number and shape of the teeth are also common. Diseases of the salivary glands (inflammation of the salivary glands, salivary gland tumours) are also included here.
The oral cavity’s lining can also be affected by many kinds of diseases: inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), inflammation of the special lining of the tongue (glossitis), and inflammation affecting the rest of the oral cavity’s lining (stomatitis). The oral cavity– its precancerous conditions (e.g. leukoplakia) and benign and malignant tumours can also be very varied, because the oral cavity’s tissue components are so diverse.
The oral cavity– symptoms and complaints appearing here can also be caused by diseases of the lower parts of the digestive tract (oesophagus, stomach). Examples include tooth decay in atypical places, coated tongue and bad breath (halitosis) caused by gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
