Reactive lesions of oral cavity

Oral mucosa is constantly subjected to various external and internal stimuli that leads to various reactive lesions. They are non-neoplastic in nature, but clinically these lesions closely mimic benign neoplastic lesions leading the clinician to misdiagnosis and sub-optimal treatment. Reactive lesions are typically occurring as a response to chronic inflammation caused by various forms of low-grade chronic irritations to the oral mucosa such as dental plaque and calculus, sharp edges of grossly carious teeth, faulty dental restorations, chronic biting habits, ill-fitting dental/oral appliances and food impactions. This review article summarizes the various reactive lesions of oral cavity and their distinctive histopathologic features.