Mouth as a Mirror of Systemic Diseases

Abstract

Oral clinicians are at pains to emphasize that mouth is a part of the body and not merely a gateway for delicacies. The oral cavity has an important anatomical location with a role in many critical physiologic processes, such as digestion, respiration, and speech. It is also unique for the presence of exposed hard tissue surrounded by mucosa. The oral cavity might well be thought as window to the body because oral manifestations accompany many systemic diseases. In many instances, oral involvement precedes the appearance of other symptoms or lesions at other locations. These oral manifestations must be properly recognized if the patient is to receive appropriate diagnosis and referral for treatment. This article is intended as a general overview of conditions that have oral manifestations but also involve other organ systems.