Stomatognathic disease or mouth disease refers to the diseases of the mouth ("stoma") and jaw ("gnath"). The etymology is similar to that of the term Gnathostomata. It is the term used by MeSH (along with the synonym dental diseases), but other organizations use different terms.
The mouth is an important organ with many different functions. It is also prone to a variety of medical and dental disorders.
The clinical evaluation and diagnosis of oral mucosal diseases are in the scope of oral & maxillofacial pathology specialists and oral medicine practitioners, both disciplines of dentistry. When a microscopic evaluation is needed, a biopsy is taken, and microscopically observed by a pathologist. The American Dental Association uses the term oral and maxillofacial pathology, and describes it as "the specialty of dentistry and pathology which deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. It is a science that investigates the causes, processes and effects of these diseases."
The World Health Organization uses the term "Diseases of oral cavity, salivary glands and jaws."
Read more about Mouth Disease: Salivary Gland Diseases, Bad Breath, Canker Sores, Fungus Infections, Herpes, Burning Mouth, Geographic Tongue and Migratory Stomatitis, Cancers
Famous quotes containing the words mouth and/or disease:
“All eager-lipped I kissed the mouth of Death.”
—Gwendolyn B. Bennett (1902–1981)
“Is not disease the rule of existence? There is not a lily pad floating on the river but has been riddled by insects. Almost every shrub and tree has its gall, oftentimes esteemed its chief ornament and hardly to be distinguished from the fruit. If misery loves company, misery has company enough. Now, at midsummer, find me a perfect leaf or fruit.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)