Our mouths play a vital role in our daily lives: They help us eat, speak, breathe, and express emotion. But our mouths are also at risk for various disorders and infections, collectively known as oral pathology.
At the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute of Houston, we diagnose and treat a wide range of oral pathologies. Our experienced team is led by board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. L.T. Johnson, who has specialized training and experience in oral pathologies. He and our team will do everything we can to protect and restore your oral health. Whether you’re dealing with a common issue or a more serious condition, we are here to help you regain your health in Houston and the surrounding areas in Texas.
What Is Oral Pathology?
Oral pathology refers to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the mouth, teeth, gums, jaws, and surrounding tissues. While many of these issues are either infectious or benign (non-cancerous), it’s important to get any unusual changes looked at by a doctor as soon as you notice them. Doing so can help you avoid serious complications or the need for more extensive treatment later on.
Types of Oral Pathologies to Be Aware Of
Oral pathologies encompass a range of conditions that can impact your mouth, teeth, gums, and surrounding areas. While some are widely known, others might be less familiar but are just as important to recognize.Â
Common oral pathologies include:Â
- Abscessed Teeth:Â Infections that result in a painful, pus-filled pocket in the tooth or gums, often caused by advanced tooth decay.
- Gum Disease (Periodontitis): A serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone supporting your teeth.
- Tonsillitis:Â Inflammation of the tonsils, often due to infection, which can cause a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and swollen tonsils.
- Strep Throat:Â A bacterial infection that causes throat pain and inflammation, often leading to swollen, red tonsils with white patches.
- Mumps:Â A viral infection that affects the salivary glands, causing swelling and pain.
Less common pathologies to know about:Â
- Oral Cancer: The most serious condition involving the growth of malignant cells in the mouth, tongue, or lips. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
- Benign Lesions or Growths:Â Non-cancerous lumps that can appear in the mouth, often requiring monitoring or removal if they cause discomfort.
- Herpes Simplex Virus:Â Causes cold sores or fever blisters, typically around the lips, and can also affect the inside of the mouth.
- Salivary Gland Disease:Â Disorders affecting the glands that produce saliva, leading to dry mouth, pain, and swelling.
- Oral Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that develop in the mouth or jaw, often near impacted wisdom teeth. While usually benign, they can cause swelling, pain, and misalignment of teeth.
- Oral Ulceration:Â Painful sores in the mouth that can result from various causes, including injury, infection, or underlying conditions.
Early detection and treatment are critical to maintaining your oral health and your overall health.
Signs of Oral Disease or Infection
One of the most common areas where infections or pathologies appear is the smooth, coral-pink lining inside your mouth, known as the mucosa. If you notice any changes in the appearance of your mouth’s lining or structures, like your cheeks, lips, tongue, or tonsils, it could indicate an underlying issue or infection.
Below are more signs of oral disease or infection:
- Persistent sores or ulcers: Sores or ulcers that don’t heal within a week or two, which may occur on the gums, lips, or tongue and can sometimes be painless.
- Unexplained bleeding: Bleeding from your gums, tongue, or throat without a clear cause.
- Swelling or lumps: Unexplained swelling or lumps in your mouth, jaw, or throat, which could indicate a salivary gland disorder, infection, or other conditions.
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving your jaw or tongue: Issues with chewing, swallowing, or movement of the jaw or tongue, which could be due to infections, tumors, or inflammatory disorders.
- Chronic bad breath: Bad breath that doesn’t improve with regular oral hygiene and might signal a more serious underlying issue like periodontal disease.
- Loose teeth: Teeth that become loose or more mobile without signs of gum disease, potentially indicating bone loss or oral cancer.
- Pain or discomfort: Ongoing pain or discomfort in the mouth, face, or neck that doesn’t have an obvious cause.
- Noticeable changes in your voice or speech: Changes like hoarseness or difficulty speaking, which could be due to oral lesions affecting the vocal cords or tongue.
- White or red patches: The presence of white or red patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth could signal an underlying pathology.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to get them checked out by a healthcare professional, as they may be signs of an underlying oral pathology.
How Are Oral Pathologies Diagnosed?
Oral pathologies can affect anyone, so we recommend regular dental check-ups to catch issues early. Not all symptoms are painful, and the absence of pain doesn’t mean nothing is wrong. Regular self-exams and dentist visits can help spot problems like lumps, sores, or changes in your mouth.
Oral pathologies are typically diagnosed through a comprehensive exam, and sometimes X-rays or a biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. Dr. Johnson has seen and treated many cases of conditions like dental infections, benign lesions, oral cysts, and oral cancer.
If you notice any unusual symptoms, it’s important to get them checked out promptly.Â
Why Choose Oral & Facial Surgery Institute of Houston?
At the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute of Houston (OFSIH), we know the importance of early diagnosis and effective treatment of oral pathologies. Dr. L.T. Johnson is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. During his residency, he gained specialty training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of oral pathologies and orofacial cancer. He treats every patient with personalized care and always aims to give you a comfortable, safe, and satisfying experience.
With a reputation for excellence in Houston and beyond, OFSIH has become a trusted name for those seeking expert care in oral health and facial aesthetics. Our community-driven, precision-oriented practice is dedicated to helping you achieve optimal oral health and renewed confidence. Whether you’re dealing with a minor issue or a more complex condition, Dr. Johnson and his experienced team are here for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of oral pathologies should I be aware of?
You have probably heard of or even suffered from some of the most common oral pathologies such as abscessed teeth, periodontitis (gum disease), tonsillitis, strep throat, or the mumps. Other lesser known pathologies include benign lesions or growths, herpes simplex virus, salivary gland disease, cyst development, oral ulceration, and the most serious pathological process, oral cancer. While some of these pathologies can be diagnosed and treated by your general dental practitioner, an oral surgeon may be called upon to diagnose and treat more serious conditions.
Some of the most common pathologies treated by Dr. Johnson are dental infections, benign lesions, and the development of oral cysts. A dental infection may be from advanced decay, periodontal disease, or trauma. An oral cyst is a benign pathologic cavity that is filled with fluid and usually grows beneath the gum tissue or within the jaw. They are generally placed in two categories:
- Odontogenic cysts that are formed from tissues involved in tooth development
- Non-odontogenic cysts that are usually associated with facial tissue development
Many patients experience infection or cyst development in the back of their mouth near or around impacted wisdom teeth. While cysts in the mouth are generally associated with swelling or pain, they are slow growing in nature. This means that you may have had a cyst growing without your knowledge for a period of time prior to showing any symptoms.
Cysts in the oral and maxillofacial region can have a profound impact on the rest of the teeth. As cysts expand within the gum tissue or jaw bone, adjacent healthy teeth are at a higher risk of being pushed out of normal alignment. Not only does this movement affect the overall aesthetics of the mouth and smile, but it also increases the likelihood that additional infection may occur as the teeth are more difficult to keep clean. Cysts within the jaw can also cause bone or tooth root resorption. This increases the probability that a tooth or a section of your jaw bone will need to be removed and that a bone graft procedure will be necessary to replace the removed bone and tooth with a prosthesis, such as a dental implant.
How are oral pathologies diagnosed?
Oral pathologies may occur at any age, so it is important to receive regular oral examinations to detect their presence. Remember that not all of the symptoms of oral pathology are painful; however, the absence of pain does not mean that a problem does not exist. We recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly and maintaining regular visits to your general dentist. Your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores if you see one. A comprehensive exam to detect the presence of pathologies such as mucosal lesions, dental infections, and periodontitis can be seen, whereas cysts can be detected through X-ray examinations of the mouth and teeth. A biopsy of the affected area may be necessary for the proper diagnosis of a problem and the development of an effective treatment plan.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts in the evaluation and treatment of oral pathology. Dr. Johnson has received specialty training and has had extensive experience in this practice and during his residency in the diagnosis and treatment of oral pathologies and orofacial cancer. Please schedule a consultation at our office in Houston, TX, if you suspect you may be experiencing any pathological process.
More Information about Oral Pathology:
What Is Oral Pathology?
Oral pathology is a sub-division of dental care that helps assess, diagnose, and treat conditions and diseases affecting a patient’s maxillofacial region. This region includes the mouth, jaw, and salivary glands.
What Are The Signs of Oral Pathology?
There are various signs that point to oral pathology. Recognizing these signs is crucial to effectively treating it before the problem becomes worse.
Below are the following signs of oral pathology:
- Bleeding - Having unexplained bleeding from your gums, tongue, or throat is a common symptom relating to oral pathology.
- Ulcers - If you develop any ulcers or sores that do not heal within a week or two, they are a clear indicator of oral pathology. In some cases, ulcers can be painless and occur on the gums, lips, or tongue.
- Unexplained swelling - Unexplained swelling can be a sign that you have a salivary gland disorder, oral tremors, or an infection.
- Having difficulty chewing or swallowing - Oral conditions, such as infections, tumors, and inflammatory disorders, can affect your ability to chew and swallow.
- Noticeable voice changes - Hearing a noticeable change in your voice, such as hoarseness or difficulty speaking, could be the result of oral lesions affecting your vocal cords or tongue.
- Chronic bad breath - Chronic bad breath that is not able to be treated through conventional methods can point to a more serious issue, such as periodontal disease.
- Loose teeth - If your teeth are loose or are more mobile without the presence of periodontal disease, it can be a sign of bone loss or even oral cancer.
Some of the most common pathologies treated by Dr. Johnson are dental infections, benign lesions, and the development of oral cysts. A dental infection may be from advanced decay, periodontal disease, or trauma. An oral cyst is a benign pathologic cavity that is filled with fluid and usually grows beneath the gum tissue or within the jaw. They are generally placed in two categories:
- Odontogenic cysts that are formed from tissues involved in tooth development
- Non-odontogenic cysts that are usually associated with facial tissue development
Many patients experience an infection or cyst development in the back of their mouth near or around impacted wisdom teeth. While cysts in the mouth are generally associated with swelling or pain, they are slow-growing in nature. This means that you may have had a cyst growing without your knowledge for a period of time prior to showing any symptoms.
Cysts in the oral and maxillofacial region can have a profound impact on the rest of the teeth. As cysts expand within the gum tissue or jaw bone, adjacent healthy teeth are at a higher risk of being pushed out of normal alignment.
Not only does this movement affect the overall aesthetics of the mouth and smile, but it also increases the likelihood that additional infection may occur as the teeth are more difficult to keep clean.
Cysts within the jaw can also cause bone or tooth root resorption. This increases the probability that a tooth or a section of your jaw bone will need to be removed and that a bone graft procedure will be necessary to replace the removed bone and tooth with a prosthesis, such as a dental implant.
How Are Oral Pathologies Diagnosed?
Oral pathologies may occur at any age, so it is important to receive regular oral examinations to detect their presence. Remember that not all of the symptoms of oral pathology are painful; however, the absence of pain does not mean that a problem does not exist. We recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly and maintaining regular visits to your general dentist. Your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems.
Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores if you see one. A comprehensive exam to detect the presence of pathologies such as mucosal lesions, dental infections, and periodontitis can be seen, whereas cysts can be detected through X-ray examinations of the mouth and teeth. A biopsy of the affected area may be necessary for the proper diagnosis of a problem and the development of an effective treatment plan.
What Are The Risks of Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a type of cancer that can develop within the oral cavity, such as the tongue, lips, gums, and floor of the mouth. Similar to other types of cancer, oral cancer has risk factors:
- Using tobacco - Consuming any kind of product with tobacco, such as smoking cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, can increase your risk of developing oral cancer. This is because the chemicals within tobacco products can destroy the cells in your mouth.
- Excessive alcohol use - Consuming too much alcoholcombined with tobacco can greatly increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Alcohol can cause your body to absorb the carcinogens within tobacco more easily.
- Prolonged sun exposure - Staying in the sunlight too long can cause damage to your body because of the UV rays. More specifically, you may be at a higher risk of developing lip cancer, especially if you are someone who likes to spend a lot of time outdoors.
How Can I Prevent Oral Diseases?
Although oral diseases can cause significant damage to your mouth, there are ways you can prevent them. You can prevent oral diseases by practicing good dental hygiene, reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, limiting your time in the sun, and eating a well-balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is also important to schedule routine dental checkups to preserve your oral health and detect any onset of oral pathologies.
Schedule a Consultation
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts in the evaluation and treatment of oral pathology. Dr. L.T. Johnson brings years of specialized training and hands-on experience to each case and is ready to help with even the most challenging conditions. Contact us in Houston at 281-491-4545 if you suspect you may be experiencing any pathological symptoms.
