Type and prevalence of oral lesions seen in a teaching hospital

Abstract

The oral cavity can be affected by a wide variety of lesions and conditions, some of which are harmless, while others may have serious complications. The purpose of this study was to determine the types and prevalence  of oral lesions and conditions seen in patients attending the Oral Medicine Clinic, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. Intraoral soft tissue examination was performed on patients seen in the Oral Medicine Clinic, UBTH, between January to December 2014. The mean age of the subjects was 42.3 + 2.03years. Out of a total of 86 oral mucosal lesions and conditions, twenty (23.2%) lesions were ulcerative, 17.4% were halitosis, 12.8% were psychogenic orofacial pain and neurogenic disorders respectively. About 5.8% were in  the miscellaneous group. Overall, recurrent aphthous ulcers (12.8%) were the most frequently detected oral lesion. This study highlights the prevalence of oral lesions and the importance of frequent and regular  inspection of the oral cavity among all health workers in order to facilitate early detection of oral lesions and prompt referrals.