Our mouths play a vital role in our daily lives: They help us eat, speak, breathe, and express emotion. However, our mouths are also at risk for various disorders and infections, collectively known as oral pathology.
At the Oral & Facial Surgery Institute of Houston (OFSIH), we diagnose and treat a wide range of oral health conditions. 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 well-being.
From common issues to more serious illnesses, we are here to help patients in Houston and the surrounding areas regain their health.
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.
Common oral pathologies include:Â
- Abscessed Teeth: 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: Inflammation of the tonsils, often due to infection, which can cause a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and swollen tonsils.
- Strep Throat: A bacterial infection that causes throat pain and inflammation, often leading to swollen, red tonsils with white patches.
- Mumps: 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.
- Benign Lesions or Growths: Non-cancerous lumps that can appear in the mouth, often requiring monitoring or removal if they cause discomfort.
- Herpes Simplex Virus: Causes cold sores or fever blisters, typically around the lips, and can also affect the inside of the mouth.
- Salivary Gland Disease: 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.
- Oral Ulceration: Painful sores in the mouth that can result from various causes, including injury, infection, or underlying conditions.
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.
How Are Oral Pathologies Diagnosed?
Oral pathologies can affect anyone, so we recommend regular dental checkups 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. Sometimes, X-rays or a biopsy may also 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, 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 Are the Different Types of Oral Cysts?
Oral cysts can be divided into two primary categories:
- Odontogenic cysts: These are formed from tissues involved in tooth development.
- Non-odontogenic cysts: These are usually associated with facial tissue development.
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 jawbone will need to be removed. A bone graft procedure may also be needed to replace the removed bone and tooth with a prosthesis, such as a dental implant.
Can Oral Cysts Go Away on Their Own, or Do They Require Treatment?
Some small oral cysts, especially those caused by minor trauma or blocked glands, may resolve without treatment. However, many oral cysts do not go away on their own and may continue to grow or become infected over time.
Professional evaluation is important if a cyst becomes painful, interferes with speaking or eating, or doesn’t shrink. In most cases, treatment involves drainage or surgical removal to prevent recurrence. Regular dental exams can help identify and manage cysts early before they cause more significant problems.
What Are the Differences Between Benign and Malignant Oral Growths?
Benign oral growths are non-cancerous, typically slow-growing, and don’t spread to other parts of the body. They might include fibromas, papillomas, or mucoceles and often result from irritation, trauma, or infection.
These growths can still cause discomfort or interfere with eating and speaking. However, they are generally not life-threatening.
Malignant growths, such as oral cancers, tend to develop more rapidly, invade surrounding tissues, and may spread to lymph nodes or distant organs. They often present with additional symptoms like pain, bleeding, or non-healing ulcers.
What Are the Risk Factors for Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer can affect the tongue, lips, gums, and floor of the mouth. Similar to other types of cancer, oral cancer has certain risk factors:
- Using tobacco: Consuming any kind of product with tobacco, such as 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 alcohol, especially combined 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 Tell if an Oral Lesion Is Cancerous?
A cancerous oral lesion may appear as a persistent sore, lump, or patch that doesn’t heal within two weeks. It may be red, white, or mixed in color and could bleed easily or feel painful.
Some cancerous lesions cause numbness, difficulty chewing, or swelling in the jaw or neck. However, not all lesions are cancerous. They can also be benign or caused by irritation.
A biopsy is the only way to confirm whether a lesion is malignant. If you notice any changes in your mouth that don’t resolve, it’s important to have them evaluated by a dental or medical professional.
How Often Should I Get Screened for Oral Cancer?
Adults should have oral cancer screenings at least once a year during their routine dental exams. Those with certain risk factors – such as tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, HPV infection, or a history of oral cancer – may benefit from more frequent screenings.
These evaluations are quick and painless. They involve checking for unusual lumps, sores, or color changes in the mouth and throat. Early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment.
What Are the Early Warning Signs of Salivary Gland Disease?
Early warning signs of salivary gland disease can include:
- Swelling or tenderness near the jaw, cheeks, or under the tongue
- Dry mouth
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pus draining into the mouth
- A painful lump
- Symptoms worsening during meals
Salivary gland disorders may result from infections, blockages, or tumors – both benign and malignant. A healthcare provider should evaluate persistent or recurring symptoms. Early detection allows for more treatment options and can help prevent complications like chronic infection or gland damage.
How Can I Prevent Oral Diseases?
Although oral diseases can cause significant damage to your mouth, there are ways you can prevent them, such as:
- Practicing good dental hygiene
- Reducing alcohol consumption
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting your time in the sun
- Eating a well-balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Scheduling routine dental checkups to preserve your oral health and detect potential pathologies
Is There a Connection Between Oral Pathology and Autoimmune Disorders?
Oral pathology and autoimmune disorders are closely linked because many autoimmune conditions manifest symptoms in the mouth.
Diseases like lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, and pemphigus vulgaris can cause chronic inflammation, ulcers, dry mouth, and lesions on the oral mucosa. In all these conditions, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This can lead to discomfort, increased risk of infections, and complications with eating or speaking.
Schedule a Consultation in Houston
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts in evaluating and treating oral pathologies. 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 our office in Houston at 281-491-4545 if you suspect you may be experiencing any pathological symptoms.