Editing Stomatology

{{Infobox medical specialty
| name           = Stomatology
| image          = 
| caption        = The study of the mouth and its diseases.
| system         = [[Oral cavity]], [[Maxillofacial]] complex
| focus          = Diagnosis and medical management of oral diseases
| related_fields = [[Dentistry]], [[Internal Medicine]], [[Dermatology]], [[Otolaryngology]]
}}

==Definition==
'''Stomatology''' (from Greek ''stoma'' "mouth" and ''logos'' "study") is the branch of [[medicine]] concerned with the study of the structures, functions, and diseases of the [[oral cavity]] and the associated structures of the [[maxillofacial]] region. 

In a modern clinical context, stomatology bridges the gap between traditional [[dentistry]] and [[internal medicine]], focusing on the oral manifestations of systemic diseases and the medical management of non-tooth-related pathologies.

==Scope of Practice==
While the term is often used interchangeably with dentistry, stomatology typically emphasizes:
* '''[[Oral Medicine]]''': The non-surgical management of chronic conditions such as [[xerostomia]], [[oral lichen planus]], and [[burning mouth syndrome]].
* '''Systemic Correlation''': Diagnosis of systemic conditions that present with oral symptoms, such as [[Crohn's disease]], [[leukemia]], and [[HIV/AIDS]].
* '''[[Oral Pathology]]''': The microscopic study and clinical diagnosis of oral tumors and cysts.
* '''Orofacial Pain''': Management of complex pain conditions, including [[Temporomandibular joint|TMJ disorders]] and [[trigeminal neuralgia]].

==International Perspective==
The terminology and educational pathways for stomatology vary globally:
* '''European/Latin American Model''': In many countries (e.g., Italy, Spain, Russia, China), stomatology is a specialized branch of medicine. Practitioners often hold a medical degree (MD) before specializing in the mouth.
* '''North American Model''': The term is less common; "Oral Medicine" is the preferred sub-specialty, practiced by dentists (DDS/DMD) who have completed postgraduate residency.

==Common Stomatological Conditions==
Stomatologists treat conditions that fall outside the scope of traditional restorative dentistry:
# '''[[Vesiculobullous diseases]]''': Such as [[Pemphigus vulgaris]] and [[Mucous membrane pemphigoid]].
# '''[[Infectious diseases]]''': Including [[Candidiasis]] (thrush) and [[Herpes Simplex Virus]] (HSV).
# '''[[Potentially Malignant Disorders]]''': Such as [[Leukoplakia]] and [[Erythroplakia]].
# '''[[Salivary Gland Pathology]]''': Including [[Sialadenitis]] and [[Sjogren's syndrome]].

==History==
The term gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as practitioners sought to integrate dental surgery into the broader field of medicine. In 1907, the International Stomatological Association (ASI) was founded to promote the medical education of dentists.

==See Also==
* [[Dentistry]]
* [[Oral Medicine]]
* [[Maxillofacial Surgery]]
* [[Oral Microbiome]]

[[Category:Medical specialties]]
[[Category