Teeth
These conditions involve congenital absence of teeth due to disturbances in tooth development. FCPS tip: Third molars are the teeth most commonly missing congenitally.
Oral Pathology & Medicine
11 notes, guide included
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Oral Pathology & Medicine guide
The Major part of Paper B. Since we study this very thoroughly in 3rd year, you need to be familiar with the whole syllabus. Most of the MCQs give distinguishing features, however remember the histopathology as well.
You can also use First Aid for NBDE Part 1 to cover other topics and get the full picture.
These notes cover some basics and topics, but if you have 3rd year notes or anything similar, go through them as well. These topics are heavily tested, both oral medicine and pathology. I’m not adding very basics dentistry concepts e.g attrition, erosion, fractures, pulpal diseases etc, since everyone is already familiar with them.
They hardly give any straight forward MCQs so try to know extra about everything. E.g they would ask about attrition but link it with functional and non-functional cusps, and ask where attrition is taking place. Basically have a strong knowledge about each topic so you can tackle them if the question is different.
Notes 10
Syndromes
A hereditary disorder affecting ectoderm-derived structures, particularly teeth, hair, skin and sweat glands.
Bone
This pathway regulates osteoclast formation and bone resorption. Remember: RANKL activates osteoclasts; OPG blocks RANKL.
Cysts & Tumors
The radicular cyst is the most common odontogenic cyst and is associated with a non-vital tooth. Exam pearl: Rushton bodies are classically associated with radicular cysts.
Infectious Diseases
Candida albicans is the most common cause of oral candidiasis. FCPS tip: Oral candidiasis in an adult without an obvious local cause may warrant evaluation for underlying immunosuppression, diabetes…
White Lesions
Hallmark: The lesion disappears or markedly diminishes when the cheek is stretched. FCPS tip: White buccal mucosa that disappears on stretching = leukoedema.
Tongue Lesions
Definition: Inflammation with atrophy of the tongue papillae caused by mechanical trauma or systemic factors. FCPS tip: A smooth, red, depapillated tongue suggests atrophic glossitis.
Ulcers and Lesions
Definition: The most common inflammatory ulcerative condition of the oral mucosa, affecting approximately 20–25% of the population.
Salivary Glands
Rule of inverse proportion: The smaller the salivary gland, the greater the likelihood that a tumour is malignant. Why is the submandibular gland most commonly affected?
Cancer
Clinical pearl: Tobacco plus alcohol produces a synergistic increase in risk. Areca nut is carcinogenic even without tobacco.
