Canadian Medical Guide > Diseases > Stomatognathic Diseases > Mouth Diseases > Mouth Abnormalities Terms and Definitions

Mouth Abnormalities

	Fibromatosis, Gingival - Generalized or localized diffuse fibrous overgrowth of the gingival tissue, usually transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait, but some cases are idiopathic and others produced by drugs. The enlarged gingiva is pink, firm, and has a leather-like consistency with a minutely pebbled surface and in severe cases the teeth are almost completely covered and the enlargement projects into the oral vestibule. (Dorland, 28th ed)
	Macrostomia - Greatly exaggerated width of the mouth, resulting from failure of union of the maxillary and mandibular processes, with extension of the oral orifice toward the ear. The defect may be unilateral or bilateral. (Dorland, 27th ed)
	Microstomia - A congenital defect in which the mouth is unusually small. (Dorland, 27th ed)
	Velopharyngeal Insufficiency - Failure of the soft palate to reach the posterior pharyngeal wall. It may be caused by cleft palate surgery, palatal or pharyngeal abnormalities or injury, or neuromuscular dysfunction of the velopharyngeal sphincter. It causes hypernasality of speech.

Mouth Abnormalities Medical Definitions and Terms