Oral Pathology Overview

Definition: Study of diseases affecting the oral cavity, including the teeth, gums, and surrounding structures.

Dental Caries
- Caused by bacterial infection leading to tooth decay.
- Symptoms: Pain, sensitivity, visible holes in teeth.
Periodontal Disease
- Affects supporting structures of teeth (gums, bone).
- Types: Gingivitis (inflammation of gums) and Periodontitis (advanced gum disease).
- Symptoms: Swollen gums, bad breath, tooth mobility.
Oral Cancers
- Includes squamous cell carcinoma and other malignancies.
- Risk factors: Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, HPV infection.
- Symptoms: Non-healing sores, lumps, persistent pain.
Candidiasis (Thrush)
- Fungal infection caused by Candida species.
- Symptoms: White patches in the mouth, soreness, difficulty swallowing.
Aphthous Ulcers (Canker Sores)
- Painful, shallow ulcers on oral mucosa.
- Triggers: Stress, certain foods, nutritional deficiencies.
Herpes Simplex Virus
- Causes oral herpes (cold sores).
- Symptoms: Blisters on lips, itching, pain during outbreaks.
Fibromas
- Benign tumors of connective tissue in the oral cavity.
- Characteristics: Firm, painless, slow-growing masses.

Non-surgical
- Antibiotics for infections.
- Antifungal medications for candidiasis.
- Topical treatments for ulcers and lesions.
Surgical
- Excision of tumors or cysts.
- Periodontal surgery for advanced gum disease.
Preventive Care
- Regular dental check-ups.
- Oral hygiene education.
- Fluoride treatments and sealants for caries prevention.

Early detection can prevent complications.
Integral to overall health; systemic diseases often manifest as oral conditions.
Raises awareness about oral health and disease prevention strategies.

Study of diseases impacting the oral cavity, teeth, gums, and adjacent structures.

Dental Caries: Bacterial infection leading to tooth decay; symptoms include pain, sensitivity, and visible holes in teeth.
Periodontal Disease: Affects the supporting structures of teeth; includes gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (advanced gum disease); symptoms include swollen gums, bad breath, and tooth mobility.
Oral Cancers: Includes squamous cell carcinoma among other malignancies; risk factors consist of tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and HPV infection; symptoms include non-healing sores, lumps, and persistent pain.
Candidiasis (Thrush): Fungal infection caused by Candida species; symptoms involve white patches in the mouth, soreness, and difficulty swallowing.
Aphthous Ulcers (Canker Sores): Painful, shallow ulcers on the oral mucosa; triggered by stress, certain foods, and nutritional deficiencies.
Herpes Simplex Virus: Causes oral herpes (cold sores); symptoms include blisters on lips, itching, and pain during outbreaks.
Fibromas: Benign tumors of connective tissue in the oral cavity; characterized by being firm, painless, and slow-growing.

Clinical Examination: Involves visual inspection and palpation to assess oral health.
Radiographic Imaging: Utilizes X-rays to evaluate bone structures and tooth integrity.
Biopsy: Tissue removal for laboratory analysis to diagnose lesions.

Non-surgical: Includes antibiotics for infections, antifungal medications for candidiasis, and topical treatments for ulcers and lesions.
Surgical: Encompasses excision of tumors or cysts and surgical procedures for advanced gum disease.
Preventive Care: Involves regular dental check-ups, oral hygiene education, and application of fluoride treatments and sealants to prevent caries.

Early detection is vital to prevent complications.
Integral to overall health, as systemic diseases often manifest through oral conditions.
Increases awareness regarding oral health and strategies for disease prevention.