Vaishali Samir Joshi
Careful examination of the oral cavity may reveal findings indicative of an underlying systemic condition, and allow for early diagnosis and treatment. Examination should include evaluation for mucosal changes, periodontal inflammation and bleeding, and general condition of the teeth. Oral findings of anemia may include mucosal pallor, atrophic glossitis, and candidiasis. Oral ulceration may be found in patients with lupus erythematosus, pemphigus vulgaris, or Crohn disease. In 2000, the U.S. Surgeon General's report Oral Health in America highlighted numerous ways in which oral and general health is linked. Oral examination can reveal signs and symptoms of immunologic diseases, endocrinopathies, hematologic conditions, systemic infections, and nutritional disorders. In addition, several studies have reported associations between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus, heart disease, stroke, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.Identifying these oral findings may allow for early diagnosis and treatment. In both adults and pediatric patients, poor oral health has been linked to poorer health outcomes overall. Thorough history taking and physical examination by dentists may aid in determining the underlying etiology of oral changes and allow for earlier intervention by medical colleagues.
The appearance in December 2020 of a new coronavirus has caused an unprecedented pandemic in the modern era. Undoubtedly, the disease produced by the novel coronavirus and its consequences have posed a challenge for health authorities worldwide. During this period, despite the implications of saliva for virus transmission and the possibility of salivary glands as a reservoir, few oral manifestations have been reported. Oral dryness, vesiculobullous lesions, aphthous‐like lesions, dysgeusia, and anosmia are the most common oral signs reported. Meticulous identification of such symptoms may help in early diagnosis and timely treatment. This speech wills focuses on various oral manifestations associated with the general pathologies of the human body.