Identifying and Treating Common Oral Pathologies
As per the American Dental Association (ADA), oral pathology is one of the 12 recognized dental specialties, focusing on diseases affecting the mouth and surrounding areas. Springfield, VA dentist and their dedicated team help identify several forms of oral pathologies and offer a comprehensive approach to managing them.
Oral pathology is the study, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the teeth, gums, bones, joints, glands, skin, and muscles around your mouth. Let us explore some common examples of oral pathologies.
Unwinding some common oral pathologies
Here is a comprehensive list of common oral pathologies and their clinical features:
Oral cancer
- Any abnormal cell growth can cause adverse effects and changes in the tissues in your mouth.
- Here there may be alteration in the color, form, and texture of the affected tissues.
Geographic tongue
- Also known as benign migratory glossitis or erythema migrans, this condition is characterized by missing papillae in different areas of the tongue.
- This results in a map-like appearance of the tongue.
- This condition is usually seen as red, well-defined areas in or around the sides of your tongue.
Median palatal cysts
- These are developmental in origin and are typically fluid-filled sacs.
- They appear in the middle of the palate and may cause pain and discomfort.
Hairy tongue
- An overgrowth of fungi or bacteria in the mouth can cause the tongue to become black and hairy.
- This often results due to poor oral hygiene, chronic and extensive use of antibiotics, or radiotherapy.
Effective treatment options for oral pathologies
Treatment for oral pathologies depends on the type of disease and its severity.
Mild forms
- Antibiotics: This will treat bacterial infections and alleviate soreness and discomfort.
- Diluted hydrogen peroxide: This will kill more bacteria than regular mouthwash and also significantly improve bad breath.
Severe forms
- Oral surgery: The affected area may be completely removed to prevent the spread of the infection or cancer to other parts of your oral cavity.
Tips to prevent oral pathologies
You can lower your risk of oral pathologies by the following preventive tips:
- Avoid tobacco products
- Limit alcohol intake
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Protect yourself from excessive sun exposure
- Vaccinate yourself
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups
- Practice good oral hygiene
- Consume a healthy, well-balanced diet
Consistent dental check-ups and adherence to oral hygiene routines like brushing, flossing, and refraining from tobacco, and alcohol are crucial for oral disease prevention and management. If you notice any alterations in your oral cavity, seek prompt evaluation from a dentist for appropriate management.
