Oral Pathology
Posted on 4/26/2021 by Young Jun DDS MD FACS |
 Oral pathology, also known as oral and maxillofacial surgery, is a dental specialty that deals with diseases of the mouth, jaw, facial muscles, and the skin around the mouth. At Placentia Oral Surgery, Young Jun, DDS, MD, FACS and Dr. Jun can diagnose oral diseases and recommend the best possible treatment option for you.
Oral Diseases and Conditions
If you experience strange and unusual sensations in your mouth or see a suspicious growth, it is important that you get it checked out by us. Lesions, sores, and changing colors in the mouth can indicate serious underlying health issues that can become problematic in the long run. We can help determine if the condition afflicting your mouth or jaw is malevolent or not.
Here is a list of some of the most common type oral ailments:
Periodontal Diseases
Plaque-induced gum diseases are the most common type of disease of the mouth. Gingivitis and periodontitis are destructive to the gums, teeth, and supporting tissues of the mouth. Gum disease develops when plaque accumulates on your teeth and gum. This tartar cannot be removed by brushing at home and if left untreated can lead to inflamed, swollen, and bleeding gums. In the later state, gum disease will start destroying bone tissues as well which will result in the eventual loss of your teeth.
Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is an extremely infectious bacterial illness that results in severe strep throat in children. This disease affects the pharynx and tonsils first and then spreads to the tongue and the roof of the mouth.
Outward symptoms of this disease include a red rash on the face which spreads to the body. If the disease is not treated, it can result in an inflamed, raw, and furred tongue. We may advise the use of penicillin which is a highly effective treatment.
Herpes Simplex
Herpes simplex is a very common infection spread through a virus. Symptoms of the disease include sores around the lips and mouth which can last anywhere from three to 10 days. Many people have recurrent sores in the same area or nearby.
Although the exact cause of this viral infection has not been determined, it may be brought upon by hormonal imbalance, impaired immunity, stress, trauma, and overexposure to the sun.
Mumps of the Salivary Gland
Mumps is characterized by painful swelling of the parotid glands which are located in the front of your years. This can result in a sore throat and pain while chewing. This infection is very contagious but can be prevented with vaccination.
There is no exact treatment for mumps but staying hydrated and using painkillers can result in complete recovery in five to 10 days.
If the disease is severe, it may cause inflammation of the brain, pancreas, testicles, and hearing loss.
Oral Candidiasis
This is a common yeast infection of the mouth which occurs in people with compromised immunity. These include people who have autoimmune diseases, or are undergoing organ transplant or cancer therapy.
Oral candidiasis is marked by cheesy white patches on the tongue which may feel sore of inflamed. Antifungal drugs can offer effective treatment.
Oral Cancer
Symptoms of oral cancer may not be easily recognized by people. This disease may be marked by tiny red or white spots, sore patches, lesions, slimy tissue, rough crusts, sore throat, a change in bite, and difficulty in swallowing.
If detected in its early stages, treatment is more effective.
Salivary Gland Tumors
This is a tumor of the salivary gland and it can be benign or malignant. Symptoms include numbness, presence of a lump, pain, or fluid leaking out of the ear. This tumor can be removed with oral surgery.
Although this is not an exhaustive list of the oral pathogens that afflict the mouth, these are some of the most common conditions that are seen in patients. If you feel persistent pain and discomfort in the mouth, call us at (657) 216-1617 immediately to get it diagnosed and treated.
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