Oral Medicine

The specialist in oral medicine is the expert for diagnosing and treating non surgically diseases of the mouth and dysfunction of the masticatory apparatus. Many conditions can manifest themselves in the oral cavity; they are usually benign and from local origin, or sometime related to medical problems.

The specialist in oral medicine must take the dental and medical history of the patient, proceeds with a detailed exam; and uses diagnostic tools like biopsies, microbial cultures, sampling or the saliva, blood analysis, and uses different medical imagery techniques.

Detailed examination of the tongue	Digital palpation of the jaw joint (TMJ)

Presentation of clinical problems

Amidst the common problems evaluated in oral medicine, we find oral ulcers and other persistent lesions, burning of the mouth, salivary dysfunction, facial pain, trouble of the jaw joint et the osseous lesions of the jaws.

Presentation of applied solutions

Different therapeutic modalities use different pharmacological agents (medications), physiotherapy and also surgery. The oral medicine specialist should be consulted to analyze the origin of a variety of problems. He will then establish a treatment plan and suggest the best path to follow.

Cheek with ulceration (marked redness)	Healing of the ulcer following treatment.

Patient with a night guard to treat facial pain.

Links

Organizations

• American Academy of Oral Medicine
• International Association of Oral Medicine
• American Dental Association
• American Academy of Dermatology (Lichen Planus)
• European Academy of Oral Medicine

Medical Libraries

• CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) Health
• National Institutes of Health, Health Information
• Yahoo Health

Support Groups and Specific Organizations

• Support Group.com
• Burning Mouth Syndrome National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
• Sjogrens Syndrome Foundation
• British Sjögrens Syndrome Association
• The International Oral Lichen Planus Support Group
• American Diabetes Assoc.
• Trigeminal Neuralgia Association
• American Autoimmune Related Diseases Assoc., Inc.
• National Pemphigus Foundation
• National Organization for Rare Diseases