Oral Pathology

Diseases of the Mouth

Oral pathology refers to diseases in the mouth. It’s important to catch problems early so they are quicker and easier to eliminate. Some of the more common problems are:

  • Geographic Tongue:  Geographic tongue causes to tongue to take on an appearance similar to that of a map. This disease occurs when papillae, the small bumps on your tongue disappear and smooth out in certain areas. The disease is mostly harmless and will go away on its own after some time, but it can cause some discomfort. Using pain relievers and rinses may help ease uncomfortably. The tongue may have increased sensitivity to certain substances.
  • Median Palatal Cyst:  This rare, fluid-filled cyst forms on the center-line of your palate. It can cause extreme discomfort.
  • Hairy Tongue:  Poor oral hygiene, extensive use of antibiotics, or radiation treatments to the head or neck can often cause hairy tongue. This is a growth of bacteria in the mouth that is causing infection. It appears as a layer of black hair. Treatment is sometimes needed for this condition.

Please consult our staff if you think you may be suffering from an oral pathology.

Treatment of Pathological Diseases

Pathological diseases are usually harmless for the most part. However, you want to catch and treat these conditions early to quickly rule out any possibility of oral cancer. Some treatments you may be recommended or given are:

  • Antibiotics
  • Hydrogen Peroxide 
  • Oral Surgery 
  • Oral Examinations

The dentist will keep an eye on changes and send a biopsy in if ever necessary.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Using a laser light, The dentist or hygienist with look for cell changes that might be a sign of oral cancer. If there is any alarming change, the dentist can take and send a biopsy in for testing. If the test comes back positive for cancer, removal is usually the first step in treating.

If you are experiencing any of the problems listed above, please contact our office to make an appointment.