Overview

The oral cavity (mouth) and the upper part of the throat (pharynx) have roles in many important functions, including breathing, talking, chewing, and swallowing. The mouth and upper throat are sometimes referred to as the oropharynx. The important structures of the mouth and upper throat include the following:
*) Lips
*) Inside lining of the cheeks (buccal mucosa)
*) Teeth
*) Gums
*) Tongue
*) Floor of the mouth
*) Back of the throat, including the tonsils (oropharynx)
*) Roof of the mouth (the bony front part [hard palate] and the softer rear part [soft palate])
*) Area behind the wisdom teeth