Q: Is the skin inside my mouth different from the skin on my body?
A: The skin in your mouth and on your lips is essentially the same as the skin on the rest of your body. Therefore it is susceptible to the same ailments that can affect you in other places. A rash in the mouth, for instance, can be related to a rash on another part of the body. So in some cases your dentist may detect a condition that he, in conjunction with a dermatologist, a physician who specializes in skin care, can address. Another example is canker sores, which can be caused by a patient taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen. Just as a drug like this can cause stomach ulcers, so can it cause oral ulcers. This is why it's important for patients to give their dentists a complete account of their medical histories and a listing of any medications they are taking.
Many diseases, including skin diseases, will show themselves in the mouth. Dental experts recommend that dentists be especially observant if they have a patient who's being treated for sun-damaged skin. Since the sun obviously shines down, the lower lip is a common location for skin cancer. Frank conversation with your dentist when you have a regular checkup is important for overall health.
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