Prevalence of Developmental Anomalies of the Oral Mucosa: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Developmental anomalies of the oral mucosa are variations from the normal architecture of oral tissues that arise during the developmental stages of oro-facial structures. These include conditions such as Fordyce's granules, leukoedema, fissured tongue, and geographic tongue. Their prevalence varies across populations, age groups, and genders, making institutional surveys essential for establishing regional baseline data. Aim: To determine the prevalence of common developmental anomalies of the oral mucosa among patients reporting to RVS Dental College and Hospital, Coimbatore. Materials and Methods: A cross- sectional study was conducted involving 400 patients (210 males, 190 females; age range 20-84 years). The oral cavity of each patient was examined for the presence of Fordyce's granules, leukoedema, fissured tongue, and geographic tongue. Data were recorded, tabulated, and statistically analysed. Results: Of the 400 patients examined, 18 (4.5%) exhibited at least one developmental anomaly. Leukoedema was the most prevalent finding, identified in 9 subjects (2.25%), followed by geographic tongue (4 cases; 1.0%), Fordyce's granules (3 cases; 0.75%), and fissured tongue (2 cases; 0.5%). Males showed a higher prevalence of leukoedema, while Fordyce's granules and geographic tongue were distributed across both genders. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of developmental oral anomalies in this study cohort was 4.5%. Leukoedema was the most commonly detected anomaly. These findings underscore none of the lesion reached statistically significant level in gender and age wise prevalence, the importance of thorough oral examination and the need for clinician awareness regarding these variants to avoid unnecessary anxiety or over- treatment.