The individual articles in this issue are delineated by organ systems and disease states. The oral cavity, at the one end of the gastrointestinal tract, would naturally be prone to lesions from a gastrointestinal disorder, such as oral ulcers and cobblestone lesions seen in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Immunodeficient patients may be more prone to orofacial infections or unique lesions of infectious causes. Patients with high caries rate and salivary hypofunction may provide an initial opportunity to diagnose an underlying autoimmune condition such as Sjögren’s syndrome. Therapies and drugs targeted toward systemic disorders may cause oral complications in the form of hyposalivation, immunosuppression, allergic reactions, osteonecrosis, and/or other oral lesions. Hematologic disorders may result in increased oral bleeding that would impact dental and surgical care, or may have initial oral manifestations such as enlarged gingiva, as previously mentioned. Naturally, the mouth, with its complex oral ecosystem, is commonly subject to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. Multiorgan disorders, or disorders of the endocrine system, have various manifestations in the oral cavity and orofacial region. Dermatologic disorders have unique presentation in the oral cavity, as evidenced by various mucosal conditions such as lichen planus.

The information and images of more common and/or significant conditions in this issue are intended to serve as a quick reference for providers as they encounter them in their clinical practice. This array of conditions further emphasizes the orofacial region and oral cavity as a reflection of a patient’s overall health.

Articles will feature:

• Evaluation of the Patient
• Oral Manifestations of Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Oral Manifestations of Immunodeficiencies and Transplantation Medicine
• Oral Manifestations of Autoimmune and Connective Tissue Disorders
• Oral Manifestations of Drug-induced Disorders
• Oral Manifestations of Neurologic Disorders
• Oral Complications of Nonsurgicial Cancer Therapies
• Oral Complications of Hematologic Disorders
• Oral Complications of Systemic Viral Infections
• Oral Complications of Allergies and Immunologically Mediated Diseases
• Oral Complications of Multi-Organ Disorders
• Oral Complications of Endocrine Disorders
• Oral Complications of Systemic Bacterial and Fungal Infections
• Dental and Periodontal Manifestations of Systemic Disease
• Oral Complications of Dermatologic Disorders, and more!