The mouth is one of the most versatile and important organs in the body, and it is necessary for breathing, speaking, and eating. Because this organ has such a wide variety of functions and is exposed to many external environmental factors, it is at an increased risk for the development of infection.
Oral pathology is the medical term for any disease that can develop inside the mouth, jaws, or salivary glands. There are many oral pathological processes, including
- Strep throat
- Oral cancer
- Tonsillitis
- Mumps
- Burning mouth syndrome
- Herpes simplex virus
- Salivary gland disease
- Oral ulceration
- Some autoimmune diseases
If you think that you may be experiencing an oral pathological process, you may notice a change in the appearance of your mucosa. The mucosa is the smooth lining of the mouth that is pink in color and the most common area that changes can occur. Other structures that may show a change include the tonsils or tongue. Oral pathologies can result in severe complications and may require extensive surgical treatment if not identified early.
Many oral pathologies are benign, but it is important that a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon examines the mouth if any symptoms are present. If you experience any of the following symptoms, this may be indicative of the development of oral pathology:
- Reddish or whitish patches in the mouth
- A chronic sore throat or hoarseness
- A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
- Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
If any of these symptoms are present on your lips, cheeks, palate, gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck, contact our office in Lebanon, PA, to schedule an oral examination with Dr. Alex Balaci. He will examine your mouth and its surrounding areas thoroughly to detect the presence of infection or disease and develop a personalized treatment plan to restore your oral health.
Where can I get oral pathology treated near Lebanon?
Dr. Alex Balaci and the highly skilled team at Balaci Oral and Facial Surgery in Lebanon, PA, serve a wide region and provide the full scope of oral and maxillofacial procedures to correct functional and aesthetic problems, including the treatment of a variety of oral pathologies.
