ORAL AND FACIAL PATHOLOGIES
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ORAL AND FACIAL PATHOLOGIES
Oral and facial pathologies refer to various issues or diseases that affect the mouth, jaws, and surrounding facial structures. These conditions can affect the teeth, gums, tongue, jawbones, and soft tissues of the mouth and face. Here are some common oral and facial pathologies:
- Tooth decay (cavities): Damage to the tooth enamel caused by bacteria, leading to the formation of small holes or cavities in the teeth.
Gum disease (periodontal disease): Inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissues, which can lead to gum recession, tooth loss, and bone damage.
Oral infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections that can affect the mouth, such as oral thrush (yeast infection), cold sores (herpes simplex virus), or bacterial infections like periodontitis.
Oral cancer: Cancerous growths that develop in the mouth or on the lips, tongue, gums, or other oral tissues.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Problems with the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, which can cause pain, clicking or popping sounds, and difficulty chewing or opening the mouth fully.
Facial trauma: Injuries to the face, jaw, or mouth, such as fractures, cuts, or bruises, often caused by accidents, falls, or sports injuries.
Salivary gland disorders: Conditions that affect the salivary glands, such as salivary gland stones, infections, or tumors, leading to symptoms like swelling, pain, or dry mouth.
These are just a few examples of the many oral and facial pathologies that can occur. It’s important for healthcare providers in clinics to be familiar with these conditions so they can diagnose and treat patients effectively, or refer them to specialists if needed. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene can help prevent many oral and facial pathologies and catch them early if they do develop.