NSE 12A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: Oral Mucosa, Oral Hygiene, Bleeding On Probing
31 Jan 2016
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Document Summary
Extends from lips to the anterior pillars of the tonsils. Structure for taste, mastication and speech articulation: mastication or chewing is the process by which food is crushed and ground by teeth. It is the first step of digestion, and it increases the surface area of foods to allow more efficient break down by enzymes. During the mastication process, the food is positioned by the cheek and tongue between the teeth for grinding. Buccal mucosa (oral mucosa) -> normally pink and moist. Floor of the mouth an under-surface of the tongue are richly supplied with blood vessels, which allow for rapid absorption of sublingual medications. Any type of ulcerations or trauma to the area can result in significant releasing enzymes bleeding. The mouth contains 3 pairs of salivary glands that start the digestive process by; o: protect the mucosa from heat and chemical irritants o, provide lubrication for the movement of food.
