Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology

Infections

This includes bacteria, fungus, or virus. Some symptoms might include having bad breath, and running a fever. 

• Bacterial Infections
• Common bacterial infections include gingivitis, a common gum disease causing the gums to be red, inflamed and bleed easily. 

• Fungal Infections
• The most common fungal infection is oral candidiasis, and usually occurs in individuals whose ability to combat infectious diseases is compromised. The known symptoms are the appearance of white patches in the mouth. 

• Viral Infections

• Common viral infections include herpes simplex.

Growths and Ulcers 

Sometimes excessive bone, gum tissue, fibrous tissue can cause alveolar ridges to be formed abnormally. 

If sores, ulcers or lumps appear on the lips or in the mouth, and remain unhealed for over three weeks, it is highly recommended that a dentist is consulted in order to determine and rule out cancerous growths. Other signs of this may be traces of blood in saliva, or some numbness of your chin or lower lip. 

Cysts

A cyst is a closed, abnormal sac of tissue within your body containing liquid, air, or other semi-solid substances. They most commonly occur in your jaw bone than in any other bone in your body. You may develop a cyst in your jaw due to many reasons, including infection from a bad tooth, gum inflammation over an erupting tooth or from certain medical conditions.