When healthy, the lining of the inside of the mouth – the mucosa – is smooth and pink in color. It’s important to monitor both the texture and color of the mucosa because they often display the first warning signs of an oral pathology. The term oral pathology refers to any disease or infection inside the mouth, jaws, salivary glands, and facial muscles. Most oral pathologies are benign, or noncancerous, but it’s important to visit an oral surgeon for an examination to ensure your condition is not serious and won’t spread or worsen.
Symptoms of an Oral Pathology
Our mouths are in constant contact with bacteria because of how much and how often we use them. This makes them extremely vulnerable to infection and other diseases. Attending regular checkups with your dentist can help you stay on top of your oral health and any developing conditions. However, it’s also important to monitor your health on your own by watching out for suspicious symptoms, such as
- Lumps in the mouth or on the neck
- Bleeding sores that don’t heal
- Change in color, texture, or shape of the mucosa
- Swelling that doesn’t go down or keeps coming back
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or cheeks
Changes in the mucosa are often the first sign of an oral pathology, and we strongly encourage you to contact our office if you notice any of these symptoms. We can thoroughly examine your condition and determine the appropriate treatment.
Types of Oral Pathology
Failure to take proper care of the mouth is the most common cause of an oral pathology. Keeping the mouth clean is vital to preventing a bacterial infection or other disease from occurring. The most common oral pathologies to develop include
- Chronic ulcers
- Infections
- Herpes
- Oral fungal infections
- Oral cysts and tumors
- Salivary gland diseases
- Oral cancers
Oral Pathology Treatment at Bellaire Facial, Oral & Dental Implant Surgery
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above or have been notified of a developing oral pathology, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at our office. Our doctor is highly trained to examine your condition, and he can develop a personalized treatment plan to fit your needs. In many cases, a simple biopsy can determine the severity of your condition and the level of treatment needed.
