Oral pathology is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that can develop inside the mouth, including the salivary glands or jaws. Most of these diseases are benign and not serious, but it is always best to have an early evaluation to receive appropriate treatment. Pathologists are involved in all areas of disease management, including research, diagnosis, examination, and treatment. The American Dental Education Association states that oral pathologists require an average of 37 months of advanced education to become experts in this field.
We recommend that all people perform a monthly oral cancer self-exam to ensure that oral cancer is not developing. If you have an illness, oral pathology can help you turn your oral health back into a condition that you can smile about. If you're curious about this discipline, we'll tell you about what oral pathologists do and we'll tell you about four of the many diseases in which these dental professionals have become experts so that they can offer the best possible treatment and help people keep smiling. Oral pathology is the study, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the teeth, gums, bones, joints, glands, skin, and muscles surrounding the mouth.
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, oral cancer has an 80 to 90% survival rate when detected in the early stages of development. While the diagnosis and treatment of oral cancers represent a large part of oral pathology, they are certainly not the only part.Early detection of oral cancer and precancerous conditions is key for successful treatment. An oral exam is the best defense against dental problems and is the best chance to detect oral diseases. In this article, we will discuss four common oral pathology diseases: leukoplakia, lichen planus, candidiasis, and periodontal disease.
We will also discuss how these diseases are diagnosed and treated.
Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia is a white patch or plaque that forms on the inside of the mouth or tongue. It is caused by irritation from smoking or chewing tobacco products. Leukoplakia can also be caused by poor fitting dentures or rough teeth surfaces. Leukoplakia can be benign or it can be a sign of pre-cancerous changes in the mouth.Lichen Planus
Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that affects the skin and mucous membranes inside the mouth.It appears as white patches with a lace-like pattern on the tongue or inside cheeks. Lichen planus can cause pain or burning sensations in the mouth.
Candidiasis
Candidiasis is an infection caused by a type of yeast called Candida albicans. It appears as white patches on the tongue or inside cheeks. Candidiasis can cause pain or burning sensations in the mouth.Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums caused by bacteria in plaque buildup on teeth surfaces.It can cause inflammation and bleeding of the gums as well as bad breath and loose teeth.
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