Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What condition is characterized by interlacing white lines on the buccal mucosa?

1. Oral lichen planus

2. Leukoplakia

3. Burning mouth syndrome

4. Oral thrush

The correct answer is: Oral lichen planus

Oral lichen planus is characterized by the presence of interlacing white lines on the buccal mucosa, known as Wickham's striae. This condition is an inflammatory disorder that affects the mucosal surfaces of the mouth, presenting with a distinctive pattern that can appear as reticular, papular, or atrophic lesions. Wickham's striae are particularly important for diagnosis, as these lines can be observed in a classic presentation of oral lichen planus, often accompanied by other symptoms such as soreness or burning sensations in the oral cavity. The other conditions listed do not present with this specific pattern. Leukoplakia would typically appear as white patches but does not have the interlacing line morphology seen in lichen planus. Burning mouth syndrome is characterized by a burning sensation in the oral cavity without visible lesions and does not involve white line formation. Oral thrush, a fungal infection, presents with creamy white patches but lacks the reticular appearance and is usually associated with other signs of candidiasis rather than the interlacing lines seen in oral lichen planus.