Diverticulum in buccal mucosa: A rare sac-like oral pouch

This article describes a rare case of oral diverticulum.

Diverticulum represents a sac-like protrusion of the gastrointestinal tract, commonly arising in the colon wall of elder individuals. Zenker's diverticulum can also occur in the pharyngeal mucosa. However, oral diverticulum appears rare.

The patient was an 88-year-old man with dementia living in a geriatric facility. A dental hygienist incidentally identified a small pouch containing stagnant food residue in the left buccal mucosa during oral hygiene procedures.

The small pouch with stagnant food residue was identified as a diverticulum.

Diverticula may be identified from the stagnation of food residue. Dental specialists who practice oral hygiene should be aware of diverticula as a differential diagnosis.