Anatomic and examination considerations of the oral cavity

Med Clin North Am. 2014 Nov;98(6):1225-38. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2014.08.001. Epub 2014 Sep 18.

Abstract

Patients often present to their physician with complaints of dental and/or oral pain. It is important for physicians to understand the complexities of oral anatomy and how to perform a basic clinical examination of this area to evaluate and potentially manage patients with these complaints. This article discusses anatomic structures of the oral cavity and systematic clinical examination of this area.

Keywords: Dentition; Oral anatomy; Oral examination; Oral mucosa.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Dentition
  • Diagnosis, Oral / methods*
  • Humans
  • Mouth / anatomy & histology*
  • Mouth Mucosa / anatomy & histology
  • Mouth Mucosa / pathology
  • Pharynx / anatomy & histology
  • Pharynx / pathology
  • Primary Health Care*
  • Salivary Glands / anatomy & histology
  • Salivary Glands / pathology