We use our mouths for a variety of tasks, such as eating, speaking, and breathing. Consequently, our mouths have an increased risk for disorders and infections known as oral pathology. Oral pathology refers to any disease or infection that can develop inside the mouth, teeth, salivary glands, or jaws. While many oral pathologies are infectious or benign (non-cancerous), it is always best to obtain early evaluation and proper treatment of any oral irregularities to avoid severe complications or the need for a more extensive surgical procedure.
One of the most common areas that will show infection or pathology is the smooth coral pink-colored lining of the mouth called mucosa. If you notice an irregularity in the appearance of your mouth’s lining or structures, such as the cheek, lips, tongue, or tonsils, this may be a sign of a pathological process or infection.
What kind of oral pathologies should I be aware of?
You have probably heard of or even suffered from some of the most common oral pathologies such as abscessed teeth, periodontitis (gum disease), tonsillitis, strep throat, or the mumps. Other lesser known pathologies include benign lesions or growths, herpes simplex virus, salivary gland disease, cyst development, oral ulceration, and the most serious pathological process, oral cancer. While some of these pathologies can be diagnosed and treated by your general dental practitioner, an oral surgeon may be called upon to diagnose and treat more serious conditions.
Some of the most common pathologies treated by Dr. Johnson are dental infections, benign lesions, and the development of oral cysts. A dental infection may be from advanced decay, periodontal disease, or trauma. An oral cyst is a benign pathologic cavity that is filled with fluid and usually grows beneath the gum tissue or within the jaw. They are generally placed in two categories:
- Odontogenic cysts that are formed from tissues involved in tooth development
- Non-odontogenic cysts that are usually associated with facial tissue development
Many patients experience infection or cyst development in the back of their mouth near or around impacted wisdom teeth. While cysts in the mouth are generally associated with swelling or pain, they are slow growing in nature. This means that you may have had a cyst growing without your knowledge for a period of time prior to showing any symptoms.
Cysts in the oral and maxillofacial region can have a profound impact on the rest of the teeth. As cysts expand within the gum tissue or jaw bone, adjacent healthy teeth are at a higher risk of being pushed out of normal alignment. Not only does this movement affect the overall aesthetics of the mouth and smile, but it also increases the likelihood that additional infection may occur as the teeth are more difficult to keep clean. Cysts within the jaw can also cause bone or tooth root resorption. This increases the probability that a tooth or a section of your jaw bone will need to be removed and that a bone graft procedure will be necessary to replace the removed bone and tooth with a prosthesis, such as a dental implant.
How are oral pathologies diagnosed?
Oral pathologies may occur at any age, so it is important to receive regular oral examinations to detect their presence. Remember that not all of the symptoms of oral pathology are painful; however, the absence of pain does not mean that a problem does not exist. We recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly and maintaining regular visits to your general dentist. Your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores if you see one. A comprehensive exam to detect the presence of pathologies such as mucosal lesions, dental infections, and periodontitis can be seen, whereas cysts can be detected through X-ray examinations of the mouth and teeth. A biopsy of the affected area may be necessary for the proper diagnosis of a problem and the development of an effective treatment plan.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts in the evaluation and treatment of oral pathology. Dr. Johnson has received specialty training and has had extensive experience in this practice and during his residency in the diagnosis and treatment of oral pathologies and orofacial cancer. Please schedule a consultation at our office in Houston, TX, if you suspect you may be experiencing any pathological process.
More Information about Oral Pathology:
What Is Oral Pathology?
Oral pathology is a sub-division of dental care that helps assess, diagnose, and treat conditions and diseases affecting a patient’s maxillofacial region. This region includes the mouth, jaw, and salivary glands.
What Are The Signs of Oral Pathology?
There are various signs that point to oral pathology. Recognizing these signs is crucial to effectively treating it before the problem becomes worse.
Below are the following signs of oral pathology:
- Bleeding - Having unexplained bleeding from your gums, tongue, or throat is a common symptom relating to oral pathology.
- Ulcers - If you develop any ulcers or sores that do not heal within a week or two, they are a clear indicator of oral pathology. In some cases, ulcers can be painless and occur on the gums, lips, or tongue.
- Unexplained swelling - Unexplained swelling can be a sign that you have a salivary gland disorder, oral tremors, or an infection.
- Having difficulty chewing or swallowing - Oral conditions, such as infections, tumors, and inflammatory disorders, can affect your ability to chew and swallow.
- Noticeable voice changes - Hearing a noticeable change in your voice, such as hoarseness or difficulty speaking, could be the result of oral lesions affecting your vocal cords or tongue.
- Chronic bad breath - Chronic bad breath that is not able to be treated through conventional methods can point to a more serious issue, such as periodontal disease.
- Loose teeth - If your teeth are loose or are more mobile without the presence of periodontal disease, it can be a sign of bone loss or even oral cancer.
Some of the most common pathologies treated by Dr. Johnson are dental infections, benign lesions, and the development of oral cysts. A dental infection may be from advanced decay, periodontal disease, or trauma. An oral cyst is a benign pathologic cavity that is filled with fluid and usually grows beneath the gum tissue or within the jaw. They are generally placed in two categories:
- Odontogenic cysts that are formed from tissues involved in tooth development
- Non-odontogenic cysts that are usually associated with facial tissue development
Many patients experience an infection or cyst development in the back of their mouth near or around impacted wisdom teeth. While cysts in the mouth are generally associated with swelling or pain, they are slow-growing in nature. This means that you may have had a cyst growing without your knowledge for a period of time prior to showing any symptoms.
Cysts in the oral and maxillofacial region can have a profound impact on the rest of the teeth. As cysts expand within the gum tissue or jaw bone, adjacent healthy teeth are at a higher risk of being pushed out of normal alignment.
Not only does this movement affect the overall aesthetics of the mouth and smile, but it also increases the likelihood that additional infection may occur as the teeth are more difficult to keep clean.
Cysts within the jaw can also cause bone or tooth root resorption. This increases the probability that a tooth or a section of your jaw bone will need to be removed and that a bone graft procedure will be necessary to replace the removed bone and tooth with a prosthesis, such as a dental implant.
How Are Oral Pathologies Diagnosed?
Oral pathologies may occur at any age, so it is important to receive regular oral examinations to detect their presence. Remember that not all of the symptoms of oral pathology are painful; however, the absence of pain does not mean that a problem does not exist. We recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly and maintaining regular visits to your general dentist. Your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems.
Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores if you see one. A comprehensive exam to detect the presence of pathologies such as mucosal lesions, dental infections, and periodontitis can be seen, whereas cysts can be detected through X-ray examinations of the mouth and teeth. A biopsy of the affected area may be necessary for the proper diagnosis of a problem and the development of an effective treatment plan.
What Are The Risks of Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a type of cancer that can develop within the oral cavity, such as the tongue, lips, gums, and floor of the mouth. Similar to other types of cancer, oral cancer has risk factors:
- Using tobacco - Consuming any kind of product with tobacco, such as smoking cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, can increase your risk of developing oral cancer. This is because the chemicals within tobacco products can destroy the cells in your mouth.
- Excessive alcohol use - Consuming too much alcoholcombined with tobacco can greatly increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Alcohol can cause your body to absorb the carcinogens within tobacco more easily.
- Prolonged sun exposure - Staying in the sunlight too long can cause damage to your body because of the UV rays. More specifically, you may be at a higher risk of developing lip cancer, especially if you are someone who likes to spend a lot of time outdoors.
How Can I Prevent Oral Diseases?
Although oral diseases can cause significant damage to your mouth, there are ways you can prevent them. You can prevent oral diseases by practicing good dental hygiene, reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, limiting your time in the sun, and eating a well-balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is also important to schedule routine dental checkups to preserve your oral health and detect any onset of oral pathologies.
Schedule a Consultation
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts in the evaluation and treatment of oral pathology. Dr. Johnson has received specialty training and has had extensive experience in this practice, and during his residency, he was involved in the diagnosis and treatment of oral pathologies and orofacial cancer. Contact us in Houston, TX, at 281-491-4545 if you suspect you may be experiencing any pathological process.
