Guidelines for Complications of Cancer Treatment Vol VIII Part B

Oral IncompetenceOral competence is controlled by a complex neuromuscularmechanism consisting of:– The orbicularis oris muscle.– Motor supply from the buccal branches of facial nerve.– Sensory innervation to the upper lip is provided bybranches of infraorbital nerve and that of lower lip bymental nerve, both branches of trigeminal nerve.Etiology Injury to sensory/motor (Facial Nerve) innervation oflip. Extensive resections of the cheek or loss of bony supportto lips (upper and lower alveolus). Breach in continuity of lip or orbicularis muscle.Symptoms and Signs Continuous drool of saliva. Difficulty in holding liquids in the oral cavity. Inability to achieve oral seal.153