Upside down camera for oral cavity photography

Taking a picture of the oral cavity holding a digital camera in an upright position produces
shadows that reduce picture quality (Fig. 2A and 2B supplemental). We propose to
position the camera 30° anterior to the patient at the height of his mouth, placing it upside
down to illuminate the oral cavity with the flash reaching from below (Fig. 1A and 1B).
This simple technique improves oral cavity lighting as it reduces vertical and lateral
shadows compared with a photograph taken with the flash in standard position. This
effective solution is easy and quick to perform, avoiding delays and interruptions during
medical consultations. It is useful for lesions localized in the buccal mucosa, the palate
and the ventral surface of the tongue. Good results are achieved with both digital and
smartphone cameras (Fig. 3 and 4 supplemental).