Diagnostic delay in autoimmune oral diseases

Autoimmune diseases affect about 5% of the general population, causing various systemic and topical clinical manifestations. The oral mucosa is often affected, sometimes as the only involved site. The misdiagnosis of oral autoimmune diseases is an underreported issue. Diagnosing oral autoimmune disorders can be difficult due to the non‐specificity of their manifestations and the unawareness of dentists, physicians, and dental and medical specialists about these diseases. This can lead to a professional diagnostic delay and a consequential treatment delay. The delay can be attributed to the physicians or/and the healthcare system (Professional Delay) or the patient (Patient's Delay).