The linea alba (Latin for ''white line''), in
dentistry
Dentistry, also known as dental medicine and oral medicine, is the branch of medicine focused on the teeth, gums, and mouth. It consists of the study, diagnosis, prevention, management, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions o ...
,
is a horizontal streak on the
buccal mucosa
The oral mucosa is the mucous membrane lining the inside of the mouth. It comprises stratified squamous epithelium, termed "oral epithelium", and an underlying connective tissue termed ''lamina propria''. The oral cavity has sometimes been describ ...
(inner surface of the cheek), level with the
occlusion
Occlusion may refer to:
Health and fitness
* Occlusion (dentistry), the manner in which the upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth is closed
* Occlusion miliaria, a skin condition
* Occlusive dressing, an air- and water-tight trauma ...
(biting plane). It usually extends from the
commissure
A commissure () is the location at which two objects abut or are joined. The term is used especially in the fields of anatomy and biology.
* The most common usage of the term refers to the brain's commissures, of which there are five. Such a commi ...
to the posterior teeth, and can extend to the inner lip mucosa and corners of the mouth.
The linea alba is a common finding and most likely associated with pressure, frictional irritation, or sucking trauma from the facial surfaces of the teeth. It may be mistaken for a lesion requiring treatment and may be found in individuals who chew tobacco.
Clinical considerations
*The linea alba is usually present bilaterally
*It is restricted to dentulous areas (i.e., in areas where there are missing teeth the line will be absent - unless a
denture
Dentures (also known as false teeth) are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth, and are supported by the surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. Conventional dentures are removable (removable partial denture or ...
is worn)
*It presents an asymptomatic, linear elevation, with a whitish colour, at the level of the occlusal line of the teeth
Treatment
Treatment is not required.
See also
*
Crenated tongue
Crenated tongue is a descriptive term for the appearance of the tongue when there are indentations along the lateral borders (the sides), as the result of compression of the tongue against the adjacent teeth.
The oral mucosa in the area of crenat ...
*
Morsicatio buccarum
Morsicatio buccarum is a condition characterized by chronic irritation or injury to the buccal mucosa (the lining of the inside of the cheek within the mouth), caused by repetitive chewing, biting or nibbling.
Signs and symptoms
The lesions are ...
*
Linea alba (abdomen)
The linea alba ( la, white line) is a fibrous structure that runs down the midline of the abdomen in humans and other vertebrates.
Structure
In humans, the linea alba runs from the xiphoid process to the pubic symphysis down the midline of th ...
References
External links
Image
Conditions of the mucous membranes
{{dentistry-stub