Oral pigmentation: Clinicopathologic features and review of the literature

Change in color of oral mucosa reflects the underlying health status which is either local or systemic. This change in color is brought about by pigmentation, which could be physiological or pathological. Pigmentation in pathological conditions range from localized anomalies of limited significance to a potentially life threatening disease. Since the dental professionals encounter a number of pigmented conditions in the oral cavity, it is important to have a thorough knowledge about their etiology, clinical manifestations, and their management.