A digital manual for the early diagnosis of oral neoplasia
Nutritional deficiency
Several nutritional deficiencies may result in oral manifestions. Cheilitis, angular fissures, and depapillation of dorsum tongue leading to burning sensations at meal times are seen with riboflavin, niacin, B6, B12 and iron deficiency. Redness and bleeding can occur with vitamin C deficiency. Red, raw and fissured tongue is seen in folate, niacin, iron, B6 and B12 deficiencies and pale, atrophic and smooth tongue is associated with iron and folate deficiencies. Magenta-coloured tongue can be seen in patients with riboflavin deficiency.
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Caption
Figure 1: Angular cheilitis right and left commissure. Note the horizontal fissures with erosion in the angle of the mouth.
Figure 2: Angular cheilitis right and left commissure. Note the horizontal fissures with bleeding in the corners of the mouth.
Figure 3: Note the diffuse blanching of the left buccal mucosa in this 57–year-old man suffering from iron deficiency anemia.
Figure 4: Note the diffuse blanching of the hard palate in the same patient suffering from iron deficiency anemia.
Figure 5: Perioral dermatitis in a patient with nutritional deficiency.