Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions and variations in paediatric population. A systematic review.

Dr. Niraimathi  Gnanasekaran; Dr.Karthik  Shunmugavelu

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v4i3.2522

Authors

Dr. Niraimathi Gnanasekaran Assistant professor, Department of Anesthesiology, PSP medical college hospital and research institute Tambaram Kanchipuram main road Oragadam Panruti Kanchipuram district Tamilnadu 631604 India.
Dr. Karthik Shunmugavelu Assistant Professor, Department of Dentistry, PSP medical college hospital and research institute Tambaram Kanchipuram main road Oragadam Panruti Kanchipuram district Tamilnadu 631604 India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v4i3.2522

Keywords:

oral mucosal lesions, traumatic ulceration, pediatric, prevalence, oral health, periodontal status

Abstract

Background:
Oral mucosal lesions (OMLs) in children represent a heterogeneous group of conditions ranging from benign developmental variations to lesions associated with systemic disease. Reported prevalence varies widely across populations due to differences in methodology, age groups and geographic factors. Accurate epidemiological data are essential for early diagnosis and appropriate management in pediatric patients.

Materials and Methods

A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science and LILACS for studies published between 2021 and 2026. Search terms included combinations of “oral mucosal lesions,” “pediatric,” and “prevalence.” Inclusion criteria comprised original research studies reporting prevalence data in pediatric populations. Five studies met the eligibility criteria. Study quality was assessed using the STROBE checklist and data on study design, population and outcomes were extracted.

Results:
The included studies demonstrated considerable variability in prevalence of OMLs among children, ranging from approximately 5% to over 60% across different populations. The most frequently reported lesions included recurrent aphthous ulcers, traumatic lesions, geographic tongue and candidiasis. Variations were observed based on age group, gender and geographic location. School-aged children (7–13 years) showed higher prevalence of traumatic lesions, while younger children more commonly exhibited developmental conditions such as geographic tongue.

Conclusion:
OMLs are relatively common in pediatric populations and show significant epidemiological variation. Standardized diagnostic criteria and large-scale multicentric studies are required to generate reliable prevalence data and improve early detection strategies. Future research should focus on longitudinal and region-specific studies to establish uniform epidemiological patterns and guide preventive oral health programs.

Author Biographies

Dr. Niraimathi Gnanasekaran, Assistant professor, Department of Anesthesiology, PSP medical college hospital and research institute Tambaram Kanchipuram main road Oragadam Panruti Kanchipuram district Tamilnadu 631604 India.

is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anaesthesiology at Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India. Her academic interests include perioperative care and interdisciplinary clinical research.

Dr. Karthik Shunmugavelu, Assistant Professor, Department of Dentistry, PSP medical college hospital and research institute Tambaram Kanchipuram main road Oragadam Panruti Kanchipuram district Tamilnadu 631604 India.

is a dental academic and clinician with advanced qualifications in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and international affiliations including the Royal Colleges of England, Glasgow and Ireland. His research focuses on oral pathology, epidemiology and translational diagnostics.

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