Investigating the relationship between hyposalivation and mucosal wetness

Oral Diseases (2010) 17 , 109–114 Background: Mucosal wetness (MW) reflects the layer of residual saliva that covers the oral mucosal surfaces. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine MW at different oral mucosa sites and to investigate the relationship between MW, unstimulated whole salivary flow rates (UWS) and Clinical Oral Dryness Score (CODS). Method: A total of 100 dry mouth patients and 50 healthy subjects participated in the study. MW was sampled with filter paper strips at four sites inside the mouth; anterior hard palate (AHP), buccal mucosa (BUC), anterior tongue (AT), lower lip (LL) and measured with a micro‐moisture meter. Reproducibility was assessed by repeated sampling and diurnal variation was examined. Results: Mucosal wetness in healthy subjects differed according to site and means ± SD were; AHP (11 ± 11.7 μm), BUC (32 ± 14.8 μm), AT (65 ± 17.2 μm), and LL (25 ± 13.5 μm). Dry mouth patients with reduced UWS showed increased CODS. MW at all four sites was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in dry mouth patients compared with the healthy subjects. Reproducibility of MW measurement using the intra‐class correlation coefficient showed agreement at different visits within subject. MW of the AT showed a positive correlation with UWS (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Mucosal wetness is a reliable measure of oral dryness and had a positive correlation with UWS.     

Pressure-pain threshold determination in the oral mucosa: validity and reliability

Fundamental knowledge of pain in the oral mucosa is lacking. We determined the validity and reliability of the pressure-pain threshold (PPT) measurement in the oral mucosa using a newly developed hand-held pressure algometer. Ten dentulous subjects were recruited, and the PPT was measured at the bilateral buccal (on the attached gingiva apical to the midline of the upper first premolars, 3 mm from the mucogingival junction) and the palatal sites (mid-point between the bilateral upper first molars). The PPT linearly increased with an increase in load-rate (P < 0.0001). The PPT yielded a high intra-individual stability both for the same-day consecutive trials and weekly sessions. The palatal site revealed a 4- to 4.65-fold greater PPT than the buccal sites (Bonferroni, P < 0.0001), whereas no difference was found between the bilateral buccal sites (P=0.663). Despite a great interindividual variation in the PPT, significant intra-individual correlations were found among the measurement sites. This suggested differences in individual sensitivity to pain in the oral mucosa, which may determine overall pain sensation specific to an individual. A pressure algometer described herein reliably assessed the PPT in the oral mucosa and sensitively discriminated PPT differences at different sites and at different load-rates, suggesting the reliability and validity of PPT measurements in the oral mucosa for clinical and research investigations.     

The dimensions of keratinized mucosa around implants affect clinical and immunological parameters

Objectives: To investigate the association between keratinized mucosa (KM) width and mucosal thickness (MTh) with clinical and immunological parameters around dental implants. Methods: Sixty‐three functioning dental implants (3I osseotite) were examined. Clinical examinations included plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), KM width, MTh and buccal mucosal recession (MR). Peri‐implant crevicular fluid (PICF) samples were collected for PgE2 assay. Results: KM width ranged from 0 to 7 mm (mean 2.5±2), MTh ranged from 0.38 to 2.46 mm (mean 1.11±0.4) and the mean MR was 0.62 mm, ranging from 0 to 3 mm. A negative correlation was found between MTh and MR (r=?0.32, P=0.01); Likewise, KM width showed a negative correlation with MR, periodontal attachment level (PAL) and PgE2 levels (r=?0.41, P<0.001; r=?0.26, P=0.04; r=?0.26, P=0.04, respectively). In contrast, a positive correlation was found between KM width and PD (r=0.27, P=0.03). When data were dichotomized by KM width, a wider mucosal band (>1 mm) was associated with less MR compared with narrow (≤1 mm) band (0.27 and 0.9 mm, respectively, P=0.001). A wider KM band was also associated with a greater PD (3.13 mm) compared with a narrow band (2.66 mm, P=0.04). Similarly, a thick mucosa (≥1 mm) was associated with lesser recession compared with a thin (<1 mm) mucosa (0.45 and 0.9 mm, respectively, P=0.04). Conclusion: The KM around dental implants affects both the clinical and the immunological parameters at these sites. These findings are of special importance in the esthetic zone, where thin and narrow KM may lead to a greater MR.     

Ultrasonic determination of thickness of masticatory mucosa: a methodologic study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess the reliability and validity of ultrasonic measurements of thickness of the masticatory mucosa. STUDY DESIGN: Eleven periodontally healthy subjects took part. Thickness of the buccal gingiva was assessed midbuccally and interdentally. In the maxilla, the palatal mucosa was measured at every tooth midpalatally, between the first and second molars, and between the second and third molars at each of 3 defined locations 4 mm apart. In the mandible, thickness of the lingual gingiva was measured midlingually as well as interdentally between the first and second molars and between the second and third molars. Thickness of the retromolar mucosa was also assessed. All 1,293 measurements were repeated after 24 hours. Validity of measurements was tested in a porcine model. RESULTS: Mean (+/- standard deviation) thickness of the midbuccal and midlingual gingiva was 0.99+/-0.52 mm; the measurement error was 0.26 mm. Measurements were well correlated (Pearson's r = .74, P<.001). Mean thickness of the papillary gingiva was 1.19+/-0.53 mm; the measurement error was 0.37 mm (r = .58, P<.001). A lower reliability was observed for palatal measurements of mucosal thickness; mean thickness was 2.36+/-0.87 mm, and measurement error was 0.54 mm (r = .64, P<.001). The validity of measurements was excellent in the 0.5-4.5 mm range. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in reliability of ultrasonic assessments of mucosal thickness in different parts of the oral cavity may depend on the difficulties of repeatedly measuring at the same location, on varying thickness of the tissues, and on expression of palatal rugae. These problems might be resolved by averaging multiple measurements.     

Thickness of posterior palatal masticatory mucosa: the use of computerized tomography

BACKGROUND: Periodontal plastic surgery is used to fulfill the esthetic and functional demands of patients. The palatal masticatory mucosa is the main donor site for connective tissue, and the thickness of the graft tissue obtained is an important factor for the success of this technique. The aim of this study was to measure the thickness of masticatory mucosa in the posterior palatal area using computerized tomography (CT). METHODS: The thickness measurements were performed on the images of 100 adult subjects who underwent CT on the maxilla for implant surgery. Twenty-four standard measurement points were defined in the hard palate according to the gingival margin and the middle palatal suture. The radiographic measurements were used after calibration. The data were analyzed to determine the differences in the mucosal thickness according to gender, age, tooth position, and depth of the palatal vault. RESULTS: The overall mean thickness of the palatal masticatory mucosa was 3.83 +/- 0.58 mm (range: 2.29 to 6.25 mm). Females had significantly thinner mean masticatory mucosa (3.66 +/- 0.52 mm) than males (3.95 +/- 0.60 mm) (P <0.0001). The thickness of the palatal masticatory mucosa increased with age. The mean thickness according to tooth site was 3.46 mm (maxillary canine), 3.66 mm (first premolar), 3.81 mm (second premolar), 3.13 mm (first molar), 3.31 mm (the base of the interproximal papilla of the first and second molars), and 3.39 mm (second molar). There was an overall increase in the thickness of the palatal masticatory mucosa as the distance from the gingival margin to the middle palatine suture increased, with the exception of the Ca-d (a point at 12 mm from the gingival margin of the canine) region. There was no significant difference in the thickness of the palatal masticatory mucosa between the groups with high or low palatal vaults. CONCLUSIONS: The palatal masticatory mucosa thickness increased from the canine to premolar region but decreased at the first molar region and increased again in the second molar region, with the thinnest area at the first molar region and the thickest at the second premolar region. The canine to premolar region seems to be the most appropriate donor site that contains a uniformly thick mucosa. CT can be considered an alternative method for the measurement of palatal soft tissue thickness.     

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Helicobacter pylori(HP) found in oral mucosal ulcers

The possible involvement of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Helicobacter pylori (HP) in oral mucosal ulcers is suggested by their role in the development of ulceration at other mucosal sites of the gastrointestinal tract. A series of 29 incisional biopsies from 29 consecutive and apparently immunocompetent patients attending the clinic for oral ulceration were examined by routine histopathology as well as by in situ hybridisation (ISH) with biotinylated CMV and HP DNA probes. In 14/29 biopsies, Giemsa staining disclosed spiral bacteria. Six (20.7%) of these 14 Giemsa-positive samples showed HP DNA on ISH and 3 ulcers (10.3%) contained CMV DNA. In none of the specimens were CMV and HP detected simultaneously. Two of the ulcers containing CMV DNA were found on the labial mucosa and one on the posterior palatal mucosa, whereas all HP DNA-positive ulcers were located on the buccal mucosa. The results indicate that CMV and HP DNA can be found in separate oral mucosal ulcers in apparently immunocompetent adults.     

Ridge Preservation With Acellular Dermal Matrix and Anorganic Bone Matrix Cell‐Binding Peptide P‐15 After Tooth Extraction in Humans

Background: Preventing ridge collapse with the extraction of maxillary anterior teeth is vital to an esthetic restorative result. Several regenerative techniques are available and are used for socket preservation. The aim of this study is to analyze by clinical parameters the use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and anorganic bovine bone matrix (ABM) with synthetic cell‐binding peptide P‐15 to preserve alveolar bone after tooth extraction. Methods: Eighteen patients in need of extraction of maxillary anterior teeth were selected and randomly assigned to the test group (ADM plus ABM/P‐15) or the control group (ADM only). Clinical measurements were recorded initially and at 6 months after ridge‐preservation procedures. Results: In the clinical measurements (external vertical palatal measurement [EVPM], external vertical buccal measurement [EVBM], and alveolar horizontal measurement [AHM]) the statistical analysis showed no difference between test and control groups initially and at 6 months. The intragroup analysis, after 6 months, showed a statistically significant reduction in the measurements for both groups. In the comparison between the two groups, the differences in the test group were as follows: EVPM = 0.83 ± 1.53 mm; EVBM = 1.20 ± 2.02 mm; and AHM = 2.53 ± 1.81 mm. The differences in the control group were as follows: EVPM = 0.87 ± 1.13 mm; EVBM = 1.50 ± 1.15 mm; and AHM = 3.40 ± 1.39 mm. The differences in EVPM and EVBM were not statistically significant; however, in horizontal measurement (AHM), there was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study show that ADM used as membrane associated with ABM/P‐15 can be used to reduce buccal‐palatal dimensions compared to ADM alone for preservation of the alveolar ridge after extraction of anterior maxillary teeth.     

Accuracy of three electronic apex locators in determining the apical foramen in multi‐rooted teeth: Randomised clinical and laboratory study

This study aimed to compare the accuracy of three electronic apex locators (EALs), Raypex 5, Apex NRG and ProPex II, in locating the apical foramen (AF) in vivo. Thirty multi‐rooted teeth were included in the study. Distances from the file tip to the radiographic apex from the buccal (R1) and mesial (R2) aspect were measured after extraction. The distance from the file tip to the AF (L) was measured microscopically. Raypex 5, Apex NRG and ProPex II were accurate to within ± 0.5 mm in 84.6%, 78.6% and 66.7% of cases, respectively. R1, R2 and L measurements between the EALs were not statistically different (P > 0.05). R1 and L correlated positively (r² = 0.817; P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in all measurements between vital and non‐vital root canals (P > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the EALs. There was a positive correlation between electronic and radiographic measurements when locating the AF.     

Pressure-pain threshold of oral mucosa and its region-specific modulation by pre-loading

Once subjected to denture wearing, oral mucosa has to withstand mechanical loads of various levels and durations. However, how this load affects oral mucosal sensitivity is unknown. This study investigated the pressure-pain threshold (PPT) of oral mucosa with or without pre-loading. An electric pressure algometer was developed specifically for measuring the PPT of oral mucosa. Measurements of 10 dentulous maxillae showed that the baseline PPT (BPPT) of the palatal site was 4.9- and 3.7-fold greater than that of the labial or buccal sites, respectively. The PPT of the labial site decreased significantly compared with its BPPT after 2 s-100% BPPT and 5 s-100% BPPT pre-loading. The PPT of the palatal site increased after 5 s-50% BPPT and 5 s-80% BPPT and 0.2 s-100% BPPT and 2 s-100% BPPT pre-loading. The PPT of the buccal site did not change after all levels and durations of pre-loadings tested. These results indicated the disproportionate modulation of oral mucosal PPT following various loads, suggesting that oral mucosa possesses region-specific psychophysical tolerance to mechanical stimuli.     

Conventional Multi‐Slice Computed Tomography (CT) and Cone‐Beam CT (CBCT) for Computer‐Assisted Implant Placement. Part I: Relationship of Radiographic Gray Density and Implant Stability

Purpose: The relationship of conventional multi‐slice computed tomography (CT)‐ and cone beam CT (CBCT)‐based gray density values and the primary stability parameters of implants that were placed by stereolithographic surgical guides were analyzed in this study. Materials and Methods: Eighteen edentulous jaws were randomly scanned by a CT (CT group) or a CBCT scanner (CBCT group) and radiographic gray density was measured from the planned implants. A total of 108 implants were placed, and primary stability parameters were measured by insertion torque value (ITV) and resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Radiographic and subjective bone quality classification (BQC) was also classified. Results were analyzed by correlation tests and multiple regressions (p < .05). Results: CBCT‐based gray density values (765 ± 97.32 voxel value) outside the implants were significantly higher than those of CT‐based values (668.4 ± 110 Hounsfield unit, p < .001). Significant relations were found among the gray density values outside the implants, ITV (adjusted r² = 0.6142, p = .001 and adjusted r² = 0.5166, p = .0021), and RFA (adjusted r² = 0.5642, p = .0017 and adjusted r² = 0.5423, p = .0031 for CT and CBCT groups, respectively). Data from radiographic and subjective BQC were also in agreement. Conclusions: Similar to the gray density values of CT, that of CBCT could also be predictive for the subjective BQC and primary implant stability. Results should be confirmed on different CBCT scanners.     

Vertical palatal bone dimensions on lateral cephalometry and cone-beam computed tomography: implications for palatal implant placement

Objectives: To evaluate the necessity of three‐dimensional imaging (computed tomography [CT]/cone‐beam computed tomography [CBCT]) for paramedian insertion of palatal implants. Material and methods: Lateral radiographs and CBCT scans were performed from 18 human skulls. For lateral cephalometry, the nasal floor (right/left) and the oral hard palate of all skulls were lined with a tin foil for contrast enhancement. The quantity of vertical bone as measured on lateral radiographs was compared with CBCT measurements obtained in median and parasagittal planes and at minimum bone height. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were determined for bivariate correlation analysis. Results: The median palatal bone height on CBCT (mean 8.98 mm; standard deviation [SD] 3.4) was markedly higher than the vertical height seen on lateral radiographs (mean 6.6 mm; SD 3.2). Comparing lateral cephalometry with CBCT, the strongest association was observed at the minimum palatal bone height (r=0.926; P<0.001; Spearman's rank correlation coefficient). Conclusions: Lateral radiographs allow accurate and adequate assessment of vertical bone before paramedian insertion of palatal implants. The vertical bone dimension as displayed on lateral cephalometry reflects the minimum bone height rather than maximum bone in the median plane. Therefore, a preoperative CT or CBCT is only indicated when the lateral cephalometry reveals a marginal quantity of bone. To cite this article:
Jung BA, Wehrbein H, Heuser L, Kunkel M. Vertical palatal bone dimensions on lateral cephalometry and cone‐beam computed tomography: implications for palatal implant placement.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22 , 2011; 664–668
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.02021.x     

The distribution of oral mucosal pH values in healthy saliva secretors

OBJECTIVES: To establish the normal range of oral mucosal pH and to correlate these measurements to salivary flow rate in healthy individuals according to age and gender. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Measurements of pH levels using a flat pH meter and salivary secretion rates were established in eight mucosal sites from a total of 50 healthy individuals. RESULTS: The mean pH (+/-s.d.) of all sites was 6.78 +/- 0.04 with significant differences between mean pH values in the palate (7.34 +/- 0.38), the floor of the mouth (6.5 +/- 0.3), the buccal mucosa (6.28 +/- 0.36) and the tongue (6.8 +/- 0.26). A significant correlation was found between age and pH at palatal and tongue sites but no gender effects were noted. CONCLUSIONS: This method is easy and relatively quick to manipulate, and may offer many diagnostic possibilities for oral related diseases and disorders such as oral malodour, mouth breathing, dysgeusia, acidic diet consumption and gastrointestinal disorders affecting the mouth.     

Estimation of the theoretical pore sizes of the porcine oral mucosa for permeation of hydrophilic permeants

The oral mucosa is an attractive alternative site for the delivery of macromolecules. However, hydrophilic macromolecules are generally not well absorbed through the oral mucosa because of their hydrophilicity and size. The transport of these molecules across the oral mucosa may occur via the aqueous route. The knowledge about the dimension of this route is essential to understand the permeation of these molecules across the oral mucosa. Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) were used as model hydrophilic permeants in this study to establish the relationship between permeability and molecular weight across the different regions of the oral mucosa. The radius of the pore (r_p) for the aqueous pathway and the ratio of the area fraction of aqueous pathway to the barrier length of porcine mucosal membrane were calculated using Renkin's equation based on the experimentally determined permeability and theoretical diffusion parameters for PEG molecules. The pore sizes of aqueous pathway for buccal mucosa and sublingual mucosal were estimated as 18-22 and 30-53 Å, respectively. Pore size estimation across different regions of oral mucosa indicated the potential of delivering therapeutically important macromolecules via oral mucosa.     

氟化钠甘油过敏1例

近年来药物过敏引起的口腔黏膜溃疡越来越多,但氟化钠甘油过敏引起的溃疡却极少见。山东大学千佛山校区医院遇到氟化钠甘油过敏1例,氟化钠甘油治疗后患者口腔黏膜充血水肿明显,颊、腭黏膜有大量红色粟粒状颗粒,3 h后出现吞咽困难,但无呼吸困难,次日出现口腔黏膜大面积溃疡。治疗7 d后患者痊愈,氟化钠敏感试验结果为阳性。     

Relative Composition of Fibrous Connective and Fatty/Glandular Tissue in Connective Tissue Grafts Depends on the Harvesting Technique but not the Donor Site of the Hard Palate

Background: Whether the composition of palatal connective tissue grafts (CTGs) varies depending on donor site or harvesting technique in terms of relative amounts of fibrous connective tissue (CT) and fatty/glandular tissue (FGT) is currently unknown and is histologically assessed in the present study. Methods: In 10 fresh human cadavers, tissue samples were harvested in the anterior and posterior palate and in areas close to (marginal) and distant from (apical) the mucosal margin. Mucosal thickness, lamina propria thickness (defined as the extent of subepithelial portion of the biopsy containing ≤25% or ≤50% FGT), and proportions of CT and FGT were semi‐automatically estimated for the entire mucosa and for CTGs virtually harvested by split‐flap (SF) preparation minimum 1 mm deep or after deepithelialization (DE). Results: Palatal mucosal thickness, ranging from 2.35 to 6.89 mm, and histologic composition showed high interindividual variability. Lamina propria thickness (P >0.21) and proportions of CT (P = 0.48) and FGT (P = 0.15) did not differ significantly among the donor sites (anterior, posterior, marginal, apical). However, thicker palatal tissue was associated with higher FGT content (P <0.01) and thinner lamina propria (P ≤0.03). Independent of the donor site, DE‐harvested CTG contained a significantly higher proportion of CT and a lower proportion of FGT than an SF‐harvested CTG (P <0.04). Conclusion: Despite high interindividual variability in terms of relative tissue composition in the hard palate, DE‐harvested CTG contains much larger amounts of CT and much lower amounts of FGT than SF‐harvested CTG, irrespective of the harvesting site.     

Oral sensorial complaints,salivary flow rate and mucosal lesions in the institutionalized elderly

Summary The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of oral sensorial complaints, salivary flow rate and oral mucosal lesions in the institutionalized and non‐institutionalized elderly. The study included 280 institutionalized and 61 non‐ institutionalized elderly people. Dry mouth, burning mouth sensations, taste disturbances, salivary flow rate and oral mucosal lesions were assessed and compared between groups. A greater number of the institutionalized elderly had dry mouth (P = 0·001) and taste disturbance (P = 0·035) compared to non‐institutionalized elderly. The institutionalized elderly also had significantly lower salivary flow rate (P < 0·0001). Positive correlation was found between salivary flow rate and perception of dry mouth in the institutionalized elderly (r_s = 0·26; P < 0·05), as well as in the non‐institutionalized elderly (r_s = 0·35; P < 0·05). Moreover, positive correlation was observed between salivary flow rate and the sensation of burning mouth in the institutionalized elderly (r_s = 0·13; P < 0·05) and non‐institutionalized elderly (r_s = 0·31; P < 0·05). The number of institutionalized elderly people with oral mucosal diseases was higher compared with non‐institutionalized ones (P = 0·01). The most common oral mucosal lesions in both groups were related to wearing dentures. It can be concluded that the institutionalized elderly are significantly affected with oral sensorial complaints, including dry mouth and taste disturbance, as well as decreased salivary flow rate and oral mucosal diseases compared with the non‐institutionalized elderly.     

Skin and mucosal grafts. Their place within preprosthetic surgery and implantology

In preprosthetic surgery, both skin grafts and oral mucosal grafts can serve as a dressing for mucosal defects. Grafts from the palatal mucosa are better suited for reconstruction than skin grafts or oral mucosal grafts with another origin, because palatal grafts lack many of the disadvantages of all other types of grafts. The limitation of palatal mucosa to be used as grafting material is its availability. However, cultured palatal mucosa may offer a solution when large defects have to be covered.     

Evaluation of some electrical methods for objective assessment of oral mucosal dryness

Abstract – The aim of this study was to evaluate different electrical methods (resistance, capacitance and polarization resistance) for clinical and objective registration of dryness of the oral mucosa. Measurements were performed in the buccal and in the lip mucosa before and every 30 min after injection of 1.0 ml methylscopolamine nitrate submucosally in the labial sulcus in 10 healthy subjects. For comparison, a dental mirror sliding test was used. About 1 h after injection, all three methods showed statistically significant decreases, of values in the buccal as well as the lip mucosa except for polarization resistance, which showed such a difference only in the buccal mucosa. The deviations from initial values in the individual subject showed no agreement between measurements with the electrical instruments and oral mucosal dryness assessed with the mirror test. Neither was there any agreement between values registered with the three electrical methods. It seems that these electrical methods are not suitable for registration of individual variations in oral mucosal dryness.     

Human papilloma virus types in the oral and cervical mucosa of HIV‐positive South African women prior to antiretroviral therapy

Background: To evaluate the prevalence of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and types in the oral and cervix mucosa of treatment‐naïve HIV‐1‐positive women with CD4 counts less than 300 cells per ml with no HPV‐associated oral lesions. Methods: Oral epithelium was harvested from the buccal mucosa and lateral borders of the tongue and cervical samples were collected from the endocervical area of 30 women, 22–64 years old. Cytobrush Plus cell collectors were used for sampling both anatomical areas. Genital pathology, obstetric and gynaecological history, co‐morbid disease, hormone therapy, sexual behavior and smoking history were assessed via physical examination and clinical interviews. Special investigations included cervical Papanicolau smears, CD4 counts and HIV‐1 viral loads. The linear array HPV test was used to determine HPV genotypes present in the specimens. Results: Oral HPV were identified in 20% (n = 6) of the patients, of which two had infection with two HPV types. Genital HPV was found in 96.7% (n = 29) of the women, of which only 14 had cytological abnormalities on Papanicolau smear. Infection with multiple HPV types were present in 93.1% (n = 27) of the patients, with an average of four HPV types per individual. Conclusions: South African HIV‐positive women with CD4 counts less than 300 cells per ml have a significant risk of cervical HPV strains and multiple strain infection of the cervix. The prevalence of HPV in normal oral mucosa was low but high‐risk types were present. Limited correlation between oral HPV types and those identified in the cervical mucosa was found.     

Biomechanical behavior of oral soft tissues

Background: Little attention has been given to understanding the variation in biomechanical behavior of oral soft tissues, and this represents an obstacle for the development of biomaterials that perform with appropriate biomechanical characteristics. With this as our motivation, a uniaxial mechanical analysis was performed on lingual and buccal aspects of the attached gingiva, alveolar mucosa, and buccal mucosa to gain insight into human tissue performance and site‐specific mechanical variation. Methods: A discrete quantitative mechanical evaluation of each soft tissue region using tensile, dynamic compression, and stress relaxation analysis was conducted to correlate tissue structure with function as assessed histologically. Results: Results confirm the keratinized gingiva to have increased tensile strength (3.94 ± 1.19 MPa) and stiffness (Young modulus of 19.75 ± 6.20 MPa) relative to non‐keratinized mucosal regions, where densely arranged elastin fibers contribute to a tissue with increased viscoelastic properties. Dynamic compression analysis indicated the instantaneous modulus (E_int), steady modulus (E_s), and peak stress increased with loading frequency and strain amplitude, with the highest values found in the buccal attached gingiva. Conclusion: These investigations quantify the biomechanical properties of oral soft tissues and show region‐to‐region variation that details structure–function relationships and provides key parameters to aid development of biomaterials that perform with appropriate biomechanical properties.