National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

What is the most appropriate name for a bilateral, keratinized lesion shaped like a white line found on the buccal mucosa?

1. Angular cheilitis

2. Linea alba

3. Geographic tongue

4. Lichen planus

The correct answer is: Linea alba

The most appropriate name for a bilateral, keratinized lesion shaped like a white line found on the buccal mucosa is indeed Linea alba. This term specifically refers to a prominent white line that often appears along the buccal mucosa, typically at the occlusal plane where the teeth make contact with the mucosal surface. It is a normal anatomical variant and is often associated with oral habits such as cheek biting or grinding teeth, which can lead to keratinization of the mucosal tissue. Unlike angular cheilitis, which refers to inflammation and cracking at the corners of the mouth often caused by nutritional deficiencies or fungal infections, linea alba is not associated with pain or inflammation. Geographic tongue is a condition characterized by smooth, red patches on the tongue with white borders, and lichen planus is a more complex mucocutaneous condition that presents with reticular white lesions and is often symptomatic, unlike the asymptomatic nature of linea alba. In summary, linea alba is distinctly identifiable as a keratinized white line affecting the buccal mucosa, making it the most accurate term for describing the lesion in question.