The
oral mucosa is the
mucous membrane lining the inside of the
mouth and consists of
stratified squamous epithelium termed oral epithelium and an underlying
connective tissue termed
lamina propria. The oral cavity has sometimes been described as a mirror that reflects the health of the individual. Changes indicative of disease are seen as alterations in the oral mucosa lining the mouth, which can reveal systemic conditions, such as diabetes or vitamin deficiency, or the local effects of chronic tobacco or alcohol use.