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What is Oral Mucosa?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Oral mucosa is a specialized type of tissue that lines the mouth. This tissue is designed to provide protection for the body from infection and debris, and it is capable of producing secretions such as mucus, in addition to absorbing materials introduced into the mouth. The trait of absorption is used to apply certain types of medications, such as oral vaccines.

Three different types of oral mucosa can be found in the mouth. Around the tongue, cheeks, and hard palate, the tissue is keratinized so that it can withstand the abrasiveness of chewing. Other areas have non-keratinized tissue, which is more fragile and requires moist secretions to stay healthy. The taste buds are made from a third type of highly specialized tissue. Similar types of mucus membranes can be found in other regions of the body, such as the eyes and genitals.

Oral muscosa is a specialized tissue that covers the surface of the mouth.
Oral muscosa is a specialized tissue that covers the surface of the mouth.

The color of the oral mucosa can vary, depending on the skin color of the body. In some people, it is a pale pink, while others have darker pink to brown tissue. Extremely pale mucosa can be a sign that someone is anemic, while patchy or dark ones can be signs of a medical problem. A classic problem that develops with the oral mucosa is leukoplakia, in which white plaques of material appear in the mouth.

Smoking can cause oral mucosa growth.
Smoking can cause oral mucosa growth.

Because the tissue inside the mouth is constantly abraded, it is composed of squamous cells, flattened cells that adhere in layers to a basement membrane. These cells can be easily scraped away without reaching this membrane, and they grow back quickly to repair minor cuts and abrasions. Like other types of tissue in the body, those in the mouth can become cancerous, with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) being the most common form of cancer that appears in this location.

People who fail to brush their teeth regularly may develop receding gums.
People who fail to brush their teeth regularly may develop receding gums.

The only area of the mouth not covered by the oral mucosa is the teeth. In some people, the gums that normally protect the base of the teeth can recede, exposing the jaw and teeth roots to the risk of infection and other problems. Receding gums are associated with periodontal disease, a dental condition that can have a number of causes. It is important for individuals to get treatment for all infections and disease in the mouth, because the mucus lining is vulnerable to damage, and it can provide a conduit for infections to enter other areas of the body because of its absorbability.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon357212

I have a tear in my palatoglossal. Does the mucosa or soft tissue grow back?

pharmchick78

@googlefanz -- Oral leukoplakia is the most commonly occurring premalignant problem with the oral mucosa.

What happens is a part of the oral mucosa becomes hyperkeratinized, which makes it hard, forming a kind of white plaque that won't come off.

Although there is no exact known cause for oral leukoplakia, it is much more common in old people than in young and in smokers and heavy drinkers.

Oral leukoplakia often precedes oral cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma, and should not be taken lightly.

Anyone with oral leukoplakia, or other lesions on the oral mucosa should contact their healthcare provider immediately for an oral cancer screening.

googlefanz

Does anyone know anything about leukoplakia on the oral mucosa? I have a biology project due and need some info!

pharmchick78

One kind of gross thing that can happen to the oral mucosa is oral lichen planus.

This is a chronic inflammatory disease that shows up as white streaks or blisters on the mucosa. It can be caused by some medications, but also seems to have a genetic factor.

Although lichen planus on the oral mucosa is not in itself dangerous, it is considered precancerous, and should be checked out as soon as possible by a dentist to avoid the risk of oral cancer.

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    • Oral muscosa is a specialized tissue that covers the surface of the mouth.
      By: ArenaCreative
      Oral muscosa is a specialized tissue that covers the surface of the mouth.
    • Smoking can cause oral mucosa growth.
      By: Nomad_Soul
      Smoking can cause oral mucosa growth.
    • People who fail to brush their teeth regularly may develop receding gums.
      By: michaeljung
      People who fail to brush their teeth regularly may develop receding gums.
    • Mucus membranes can be found in the genitals.
      By: tomschoumakers
      Mucus membranes can be found in the genitals.
    • A dentist may be consulted to treat leukoplakia.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      A dentist may be consulted to treat leukoplakia.