Oral Ulcer: An Overview with an Emphasis on Differential Diagnosis

Abstract

Oral Ulcers are one of the most frequent complaints of the oral mucosa. The surface of the oral cavity is a mucous membrane. It is continuous with skin of lip through the vermilion border and the mucosa of pharynx posteriorly. Oral mucosa is classified into three distinct regions namely, the masticatory mucosa, lining mucosa and specialized mucosa. Oral ulcers are unique. They have miscellaneous causes but frequently exhibit overlapping features; therefore they cannot be easily diagnosed. This uniformity derives from the initiating effect of oral liquids and flora as soon as an ulcer is formed; consequently, an acute or chronic inflammation is immediately initiated. The resultant inflammatory changes may mask the more subtle and diagnostic histological changes that are a feature of the basic pathosis. The role of the Oral Diagnostician is to appropriately apply their knowledge and skill and concerned with primary diagnosis and treatment of an Oral Ulcer.