Oral Pathology
Gums and Intraoral Soft Tissue
The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer. The following can be signs at the beginning of a pathologic process or cancerous growth:
- Reddish patches (erythroplakia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth.
- A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily.
- A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth.
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness. Difficulty in chewing or swallowing.
- Any abnormal growth of tissue within your mouth.
These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology, and curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.
We would recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly and remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact us so we may help.
Within the Jaw Bones
Cysts and tumors can occur within the jaw bones. Such conditions may form independently or they can be associated with teeth that have not erupted into the mouth normally (also known as “impacted teeth”). Many times these conditions can be present without causing any symptoms such as pain or swelling. Dr. Smith will perform a full clinical examination and obtain appropriate digital imaging such as a cone beam CT scan of your jaws to screen for any abnormalities and will be able to explain the recommended treatment for any abnormal findings.