Mouth

Ø Mouth

- Also called buccal or oral cavity

- Formed by the cheek, hard and soft palate lips and the tongue

- Contains accessory organs: teeth and salivary glands

- Ptyalin is a salivary amylase secreted with the saliva that helps in the breakdown of starch

- Both mechanical and chemical digestion occurs in the mouth

v Stomatitis

- Inflammation of the lining of the mouth that is often characterize by ulcers on the gums and mucous membranes

- Etiology: mechanical trauma,irritants(smoking), excessive dryness of the mouth, herpes simplex virus (canker sores), secondary to infection/ immunosuppression

- Clnical manifestations:

- sore mouth

- Red painful ulcerations

- excessive salivation

- white patch in the middle of ulcerations (pus)

- Diagnostics: Inspection, cytology

- Management:

- Give oral hygiene – use soft toothbrush

- Recommend use of water or saline instead of mouthwash

- bland diet, avoid spicy and acid containing foods

- consume lukewarm or cold foods and fluids

- ice chips for pain management

- gargle with water after using inhalation

- Lubricate or moistened lips

- Teach pt importance of proper oral hygiene