The oral cavity
Protective lining of the oral cavity
Estimated reading time: 2.30 min.
The oral cavity is located at the beginning of our digestive system. This cavity is bounded by teeth, pharynx, tongue and palate. The oral cavity has various structures, including the oral mucosa, which play an important role in our body and well-being.
If oral hygiene is poor, inflammation can develop in the oral cavity. But diseases also manifest themselves partially or even completely in the oral cavity. Read more about the structure, functions and possible complaints of the oral cavity here.
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Anatomy of the oral cavity
The human digestive system begins with the oral cavity. In technical language it is also called cavum oris. The entire oral cavity is lined with a mucous membrane. This is equipped with oral salivary glands. The saliva ensures that the oral cavity remains moist. In addition, the oral cavity contains countless bacteria that maintain a healthy oral flora.
What is the boundary of the oral cavity?
The oral cavity is bounded anteriorly by the lips, laterally by the cheeks, superiorly by the palatal arches, and inferiorly by the floor of the mouth. The adjoining pharynx connects the oral cavity with the esophagus. The different parts of the oral cavity have different tissues and structures.
What is part of the oral cavity?
- Lips
- Teeth
- Gums
- Oral vestibule
- Oral mucosa
- Mouth floor
- Tongue
- Hard and soft palate
- Palatine tonsils
- Oral pharynx
Functions of the oral cavity
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Function |
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Food intake & Crushing |
First and foremost, the oral cavity serves to absorb and break down our food. |
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Digestion |
Digestion also begins in the oral cavity. The food is already broken down into enzymes here. |
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Taste |
The sensory cells on the tongue ensure that we can take in different tastes. |
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Breathing |
In addition, the oral cavity is connected to the nose and thus a part of our respiratory tract. For breathing, it plays a rather subordinate role, since we mostly breathe through the nose. |
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Phonation & Language
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Various sounds are formed in the oral cavity with the help of the tongue, palate, lips, teeth and uvula. The oral cavity is also used for speech. |
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Mimic |
Our facial expressions are also supported by the movement of the oral cavity. The muscles in the cheeks help us to express our feelings without words. |
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Protection from pathogens |
Healthy oral flora helps protect the body from pathogens. The bacteria resident in the oral cavity support our immune system.
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Why do pathogens have an easy time in the oral cavity?
The oral cavity is a first port of call for external influences of all kinds, including pathogens. The high humidity and also interdental spaces provide good living conditions for various microorganisms. Our oral flora is not sterile and quickly gets out of balance. For example, a lack of or excessive oral hygiene, sugary foods or the use of certain medications can promote changes and diseases in the oral cavity.
Typical complaints of the oral cavity
The oral cavity is particularly often stressed by caries and or inflammation. Parts of the oral cavity, especially teeth and gums, can develop diseases. Typical complaints in the oral cavity are:
Taste disorders
Inflamation of the oral mucosa
Decreased salivation
Many of these complaints or diseases can be prevented by thorough oral hygiene. If a disease of the oral cavity is suspected, it is always advisable to consult a dentist. In this way, consequential damage to the teeth can be avoided. In addition, a specialist can rule out possible underlying diseases.
Many other diseases can manifest their symptoms in the oral cavity. Therefore, the oral cavity is not infrequently referred to as a mirror of our health. Diseases whose symptoms are partially manifested in the oral cavity include malnutrition, diabetes, diseases of the liver, and cancer.
More interesting articles
Bad breath refers strictly to the smell of the air coming out of the mouth. Usually the cause lies in a lack of oral hygiene, but diseases are also among the triggers.
The gums protect our teeth and keep them in place. Read here about how best to ensure healthy gums.