Oral Pathology

Oral Pathology

What is oral pathology

• Oral pathology refers to the study, diagnosis, and management of conditions or diseases that affect the oral region, including both soft tissues (gum, cheek, tongue, etc.) and hard tissues (bone).

What conditions can develop in my mouth

• Although the most common oral diseases/conditions are dental decay and gum disease, there are also a wide range of conditions that might affect the surfaces inside your mouth.
• These can be infections, inflammatory changes, autoimmune conditions, congenital/developmental abnormalities, traumatic injuries, or neoplastic diseases

How do I know if I should be screened for oral pathology

• Routine screenings
  • It is a good idea to regularly go for check-ups with your general dentist. In addition to examining your teeth and gums, they will also be able to inspect the other tissues for other oral pathology that might be present.
  • Some oral pathology conditions might be hard for you to notice. They might be without pain or they might be too far back in your mouth to see clearly. Therefore, routine dental check-ups are a good opportunity to be screened, and allow the identification of conditions or issues as soon as possible.
• Screenings if you suspect a condition
  • Additionally, if you have noticed something out of the ordinary or have noticed something causing you pain/discomfort, it is also a good idea to seek the professional opinion of your dentist as soon as possible, who can guide the process of management as necessary.
  • Examples of symptoms that you are recommended to see a dentist for investigation of oral pathology
    • Ulcer with no known cause, and do not appear to heal quickly.
    • White lines or patches in your mouth. This can be on your tongue, cheek, gums, etc.
    • Red patch without pain or with pain
    • Blisters
    • Discolouration or pigmentation on soft tissues
    • Dry mouth
    • Sore tongue
    • Newly occurring lump or bump in the mouth

What can be done if I have a condition?

• Management and treatment of oral pathology conditions can vary greatly because there is such a wide range of conditions. Your dentist might involve an oral surgeon and/or an oral pathologist in your management to ensure you receive the best care possible.
• Following the identification of a condition, more tests might need to be done to confirm the diagnosis. These might involve imaging tests or biopsies.
• Once the diagnosis is confirmed, management and treatment can be discussed under the care of your dentist, oral surgeon and/or oral pathologist.