The oral cavity begins at the boundary between the skin and lips. The palate is formed by the hard palate. The oral cavity leads to the oropharynx, which includes the soft palate, the back of the tongue and tonsils. The inner surface of the cheek form the sides of the oral cavity. The lowest part of the oral cavity is the floor of the mouth, which are covered by the tongue.
The oral cavity can be divided into specific areas, including:
- lip
- labial mucosa (the inner lining of the lips)
- commissure of the lips (where the upper and lower lips meet at the corner of the mouth)
- vestibule (the space bounded by the teeth and gums on the inside and the surface of the mucosal lip and cheek outside)
- oral tongue (front two-thirds of the tongue)
- floor of the mouth
- buccal mucosa (inner lining of cheek)
- gingiva (gums)
- retromolar trigone (the area behind the back molars of the lower jaw)
- hard palate (part of the bone in the front of the roof of the mouth)
- tooth
- lower jaw (mandible)
- upper jaw (maxilla)
The function of the oral cavity and the structure is to start the process of digestion. The oral cavity to receive food, chewing and stirred with saliva and then begin the process of swallowing. Taste buds on the tongue gives a different taste sensation. The oral cavity plays an important role in the talks. The mouth is used for breathing, drinking, facial expression and social interaction.
Oral Cavity Assessment
History
- Last dental exam
- Missing, broken, or loose teeth
- Pain in the mouth, teeth, gums
- Bleeding gums
- Dry mouth
- Sores or lesions in mouth/tongue
- Difficulty biting, chewing, swallowing
- Presence of halitosis
- Altered sense of taste
- Dentures/partials
- Sores under dentures
- Stability during chewing
- History of head or neck radiation
- Usual dental/oral hygiene
- Medications
Assessment
Lips and Mouth
- Cracking, lesions, ulcers, swelling, discoloration, redness
- Induration, tenderness, abrasions, redness/discoloration, hydration, hygiene
- Color, size, coating, tremor, lesions, deviation
- Symmetry, lesions, discoloration
- Gag reflex, uvula position, masses, exudate, color, lesions
- Color, bleeding, edema, exudates, hypertrophy, recession from teeth, food impaction
- Caries, root exposure, visible decay, missing or loose teeth, mobile and/or worn teeth
