Oral and maxillofacial pathology

Oral and maxillofacial pathology is a branch of dentistry that deals with disease of the mouth. More explicitly, the American Dental Association describes it as:

"The specialty of dentistry and pathology which deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. It is a science that investigates the causes, processes and effects of these diseases." (ADA.org: Dentistry Definitions)

Diseases that Oral and maxillofacial pathology treat include the following:

Salivary gland diseases

The major and minor salivary glands can become inflamed and develop into cancers. They may also develop into small stones in the ducts which impede free flowing of saliva. This is a major common problem. Both cases (and others) require surgery.

The salivary glands too may swell into mumps which is an infectious contagion. Mumps, today, is prevented by vaccination. Hydration and painkillers are otherwise the only treatment for mumps. Mumps of salivary glands is dangerous since it can develop into inflammation of the brain, testicular swelling or hearing loss (Zadik, et al. 2011)

2. Bad Breath (halitosis)

Bad breath results from many causes including smoking, alcohol, poor care of dentures, gum disease, chronic lung disease, breathing through the mouth, sinusitis, liver disease, diabetes, pregnancy, not brushing or flossing on a regular basis as well as from certain medication (which include antidepressants, anti-histamines and antipsychotics). Practitioners of oral and maxillofacial pathology may or may not deal with any of these causes depending on their seriousness. Some f the causes, for instance simply require greater hygiene which depends on the person.

3. Canker sores

These are ulcers that appear on the inside of the mouth, lips, and tongue. They are less painful and severe than herpes sores and often do not require interference from dental practitioner.

4. Fungus infections (Candida)

Candida is common in immunocompromised individuals particularly in people who have experienced a transplant, HIV, cancer or use corticosteroids. Dentures and tongue piercing may also cause this (Recognizing Oral Disease World Small Animal Veterinary Association. http://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB/Proceedings/PR05000/PR00045.htm). Anti-fungal drugs are used to treat.

5. herpes simplex infection (HSV)

This causes blisters and sores around the mouth and lips, is painful and often recurrent. The sores may last 3-10 days and are infectious. Recurrent infections are usually mild and caused by stress, sun, menstrual periods, trauma or physical stress. Oral and maxillofacial are not significantly involved in their cure. However they do treat herpes when they become more problematic and dangerous such as with HIV or cancer-related immune suppression

6. Burning mouth syndrome (BMS)

This is when there is a burning sensation on lips, teeth, mouth, or gums. It has been linked to various conditions such as menopause, dry mouth and allergies and often occurs in middle-aged women. Derivatives may be anxiety, depression and social isolation. The field of oral and maxillofacial pathology still has found no cure for this and treatment includes hydrating agents, pain medications, vitamin supplements or the usage of antidepressants. (Elad et al. 2010).