From the Guidelines
The condition of the buccal mucosa can be maintained by good oral hygiene, such as twice-daily toothbrushing, and dietary modifications, as recommended by the NCCN panel 1. The buccal mucosa is the inner lining of the cheeks and lips inside the mouth, playing several important roles:
- Protection: It acts as a barrier, protecting the underlying tissues from mechanical damage and pathogens.
- Absorption: The buccal mucosa can absorb certain medications, making it useful for drug delivery (e.g., sublingual nitroglycerin for angina).
- Secretion: It contains minor salivary glands that contribute to saliva production, aiding in lubrication and initial digestion.
- Sensation: It contains sensory receptors for touch, temperature, and taste. In clinical practice, the buccal mucosa is often examined for signs of various conditions, such as oral thrush, lichen planus, or oral cancer, and its condition can be affected by underlying diseases, such as Crohn’s disease 1. To maintain the health of the buccal mucosa, it is essential to follow the NCCN recommendations, which include good oral hygiene and dietary modifications, and to seek medical attention if any symptoms or signs of oral mucosa inflammation occur 1. The buccal mucosa's structure and function are crucial for healthcare professionals in fields like dentistry, oral medicine, and pharmacology, as it impacts drug delivery methods and the diagnosis of oral conditions, and its condition can be influenced by various factors, including immunosuppression and antiretroviral therapy 1.
From the Research
Condition of the Buccal Mucosa
The buccal mucosa can be affected by various factors, including irritants, allergens, and mechanical irritation, leading to conditions such as irritant contact stomatitis and recurrent aphthous ulcers.
- The buccal mucosa is a highly vascular tissue that turns over rapidly, making it sensitive to irritants 2.
- Irritants such as foods, chemicals, friction, thermal/mechanical injury, metals, spices, and oral care products can cause irritant reactions in susceptible individuals 2.
- Recurrent aphthous ulcers are a common type of inflammatory efflorescence of the oral mucosa, with a prevalence of 2% to 10% in Caucasian populations 3.
- The treatment of chronic recurrent oral aphthous ulcers is symptomatic, mainly with topically applied agents, and is tailored to the severity of the problem in the individual case 3.
- Topical anesthetics, such as lidocaine and eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA), can be effective in managing pain and discomfort associated with dental procedures and recurrent aphthous ulcers 4, 5, 6.
Factors Affecting the Buccal Mucosa
Several factors can affect the condition of the buccal mucosa, including:
- Inherent irritation potential of the agent 2
- Amount of exposure (concentration, duration, and frequency) 2
- Ability to penetrate the tissue 2
- Inherent reactivity of the subject 2
- Extrinsic factors such as mechanical irritation and thermal/mechanical injury 2
Management of Buccal Mucosa Conditions
The management of conditions affecting the buccal mucosa depends on the severity and cause of the condition.
- Topical anesthetics, such as lidocaine and EMLA, can be effective in managing pain and discomfort associated with dental procedures and recurrent aphthous ulcers 4, 5, 6.
- Corticosteroids and antiseptic/anti-inflammatory agents can be used to treat chronic recurrent oral aphthous ulcers 3.
- Nutritional supplements may also be recommended as part of the management plan 6.