Oral Pathology The mouth is a fascinating place, but it can also be dangerous. It's the perfect home for bacteria and harmful substances to grow and thrive in. Unfortunately, these bad actors can lead to more than just an unpleasant taste. They may cause problems like tooth decay or gum disease. That's why oral pathology is so important. Our dental team at Greater Ohio Oral & Facial Surgery can find any issues before they become bigger problems down the line. How Does Oral Pathology Affect Your Oral Health?Oral pathology is the branch of dentistry that focuses on diseases and conditions affecting your mouth. The most common oral pathologies are tooth decay, gum disease, cheek bites (resulting from excessive chewing), tongue biting, bruxism, or teeth grinding. While it can be difficult to identify a specific cause for these symptoms, if left untreated, they may lead to other problems. Dental cavities in baby molars are more likely than adult back teeth because there's still room inside their mouths. Weight gain could contribute to developing sleep apnea due to an increase in weight around the neck area which affects breathing at night time. Tongue bite injuries often result with pain and swelling around the bitten areas within hours. Why Is It Important To Have An Oral Pathologist Examine Your Mouth?The oral pathologist is a specialist who evaluates, diagnoses, and provides treatment for all aspects of diseases affecting the mouth. They are trained to identify any disease that affects your lips, gums, teeth, or throat area by examining these areas with an instrument called a dental explorer. This practitioner of dentistry has completed an additional two to three years of study in the field. They specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases that affect the mouth, throat, head, neck (including face), teeth, and jaw. Your general dentist may detect an atypical finding on an x-ray or other imaging device. Still, it will need specialized attention from an oral pathologist if not followed up appropriately. The ability to make accurate diagnoses with limited information can mean life-saving treatment for many patients. Signs That You May Need An Oral Pathologist's HelpThere are many symptoms of oral pathologies, but the most common ones include tooth decay, gum disease, cheek bites (resulting from excessive chewing); tongue biting, bruxism, or teeth grinding. If left untreated, they may lead to other problems. Generally, a dentist can diagnose these diseases by taking x-rays or examining your mouth during a routine visit then following up with a diagnosis. Oral pathology is a fascinating field, with many discoveries being made regularly. We invite you to come to visit us at Greater Ohio Oral & Facial Surgery or call us at (380) 261-4130 for any questions or comments or concerns regarding oral pathology. |
