A patient talking with a team member in the chair during a dental exam visit at Broadway Dentistry in Fort Wayne

Oral Pathology

The dentist routinely examines your mouth at your first comprehensive exam and at regular check-ups. An oral cancer exam identifies and manages diseases of the mouth, jaw and face.

Changes to watch for

The inside of the mouth is lined with mucosa, a special skin that should be smooth and pink. A change in its color or texture, on the face, neck, gums, tongue or lips, may signal disease. The most serious is oral cancer, which may or may not be painful, but there are many other common problems.

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Geographic tongueAlso called benign migratory glossitis or erythema migrans. Missing papillae (small bumps) leave red, map-like patches on or around the sides of the tongue that come and go over hours to months and can increase sensitivity to some substances.
Median palatal cystA developmental, fluid-filled sac, usually in the middle of the palate, that may cause substantial discomfort.
Hairy tongueA bacterial overgrowth or yeast infection that makes the tongue look hairy and black, usually from poor oral hygiene, long-term antibiotics or head and neck radiation; also seen in people with HIV and intravenous drug users. It may or may not need treatment.

Treatment

Most changes in the mouth are uncomfortable or disfiguring but not life-threatening. Oral cancer, any cancer of the tongue, jaw and lower cheek, is on the rise (especially among men), and survival is around 80% with an immediate diagnosis. Only a biopsy can confirm a diagnosis, so getting changes checked as soon as you notice them can be a life-and-death decision. Less serious problems may be treated with:

AntibioticsFor a bacterial infection or persistent soreness, to return the mucosa to normal and ease discomfort.
Diluted hydrogen peroxideA prescribed mouthwash when poor hygiene is affecting the soft tissue; it kills more bacteria than regular mouthwash and improves bad breath.
Oral surgeryRemoving cysts or non-cancerous growths, which can improve comfort, breathing and speech depending on where they are.

Dr. Acosta reviewing a patient chart with her team at Broadway Dentistry, a general dentistry office in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Oral examinations

At a regular check-up the dentist thoroughly inspects the soft tissue of your mouth. If there are cell changes, a biopsy is sent to a laboratory, and once results are back the dentist decides on the best treatment.