Oral and maxillofacial pathology refers to the diseases of the mouth, jaws and related structures such as salivary glands, temporomandibular joints, facial muscles and perioral skin. The mouth is an important organ with many different functions. It is also prone to a variety of medical and dental disorders.
Oral diseases encompass a range of diseases and conditions that include dental caries, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, oro-dental trauma, noma and birth defects such as cleft lip and palate.
Some of the most common diseases that impact our oral health include cavities (tooth decay), gum (periodontal) disease, and oral cancer. More than 40% of adults report having felt pain in their mouth within the last year, and more than 80% of people will have had at least one cavity by age 34.
Cold sores - painful sores on the lips and around the mouth, caused by a virus. Canker sores - painful sores in the mouth, caused by bacteria or viruses. Thrush - a yeast infection that causes white patches in your mouth. Leukoplakia - white patches of excess cell growth on the cheeks, gums or tongue, common in smokers.
Professional treatment is the only way to effectively treat and manage these conditions. Remember, there's no cure for gum disease. But you can manage it with proper treatment and improved oral hygiene at home.
Most people with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) get better on their own in 7 to 10 days. There is no specific medical treatment for HFMD. You can take steps to relieve symptoms and prevent dehydration while you or your child are sick.
It's most common in young children – particularly those under 10 – but can affect older children and adults as well. Hand, foot and mouth disease can be unpleasant, but it will usually clear up by itself within 7 to 10 days. You can normally look after yourself or your child at home.
Pain in your teeth, gum or jaw. Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods. Sore or bleeding gums. Swelling of the gums, jaw or lymph bodes.
An oral surgeon attends four years of dental school and at least four years of hospital surgical residency. Oral surgeons, also called maxillofacial surgeons, are trained to detect, diagnose, and prevent defects and diseases that affect the mouth, jaw, teeth, and gums.
Oral diseases—which range from cavities to gum disease to oral cancer—cause pain and disability for millions of Americans. Cavities (also called tooth decay) are one of the most common chronic conditions in the United States.
Good oral health can help control and/or lessen the risk associated with heart disease, diabetes, pregnancy, and other conditions. It can also improve self-esteem because healthy teeth and gums are important to how people feel about themselves.
Swelling. Any swelling in the gums is a red flag for infection. If it is a small pimple-like swelling on the gums, you likely have an abscess from a tooth. Swelling around multiple teeth where the gums meet the teeth is a sign of inflammatory gum disease.
In addition to brushing and flossing, a mouthwash can help to eliminate remaining harmful bacteria. Peroxide can act to oxidize the oral environment which can lead to inactivating bacteria and viral particles, while alcohol can inactivate the proteins that some bacteria and viruses need to survive.
Alcohol – Kills all bacteria, both good and bad. Hydrogen peroxide – Kills all bacteria, both good and bad. It may also kill the cells inside your teeth. Chlorhexidine – A broad-spectrum antimicrobial commonly found in mouthwashes.
The Danger of Untreated Infected Teeth and Gums
An infection in your body is considered a threat. If they are not treated, they can last for several months or years.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) spreads easily through: Person-to-person contact.
Chlorhexidine is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial particularly useful in clearing out the bacteria that can cause gingivitis. Your dentist most likely already uses a mouthwash with this ingredient to treat your gum disease and reduce inflammation.