What You Should Know About Oral Lesions And How To Treat Them
Oral lesions are a common affliction among many individuals of all ages, but they often go unnoticed or undiagnosed. While most oral lesions are harmless and benign, it is important to know what to look for in order to identify the more serious cases that may require medical attention. In this blog post, we will discuss what you should know about oral lesions and how you can treat them in a safe and effective manner. We’ll also cover when it’s time to seek professional help if your lesion won’t go away. Read on to learn more about this common condition so you can be better prepared for treatment when needed.
What are oral lesions?
Oral lesions are any abnormal growth or ulceration that appears in the mouth. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Lesions can occur on the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, lips, or palate (roof of the mouth).
Most oral lesions are benign and do not require treatment. However, some lesions can develop into cancer if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to have any suspicious lesions checked by a dentist or oral surgeon.
Treatment for oral lesions depends on the type and severity of the lesion. Benign lesions may simply need to be monitored for changes, while more serious lesions may require surgery.
What causes oral lesions?
There are many different things that can cause oral lesions. The most common causes are infection, trauma, or cancer.
Infection: Lesions can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. The most common viral infection that causes oral lesions is the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV-1 is the type of virus that usually causes cold sores around the mouth, but it can also cause lesions inside the mouth. HSV-2 is the type of virus that usually causes genital herpes, but it can also cause oral lesions. Other viral infections that can cause oral lesions include the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is responsible for mononucleosis, and the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause warts in the mouth. Bacterial infections that can cause oral lesions include strep throat and syphilis. Fungal infections that can cause oral lesions include candidiasis (also known as thrush) and histoplasmosis.
Trauma: Lesions can also be caused by physical trauma to the mouth, such as from biting or chewing on hard objects, dental procedures, or sports injuries.
Cancer: Oral cancers make up a small minority of all cancer cases, but they are still a significant health concern. The most common type of oral cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in the flat cells lining the mouth.
Other types of oral cancer include adenocarcinoma, which starts in the salivary glands, and lymphoma, which starts in the immune cells.
How are oral lesions treated?
Most oral lesions can be treated at home with over-the-counter medicines. For example, you can use an antiseptic mouthwash to treat a bacterial infection or an antihistamine to reduce swelling from an allergic reaction. If your lesion is more serious, you may need prescription medication or surgery. Here are some specific treatment options for different types of oral lesions:
Canker sores: These small ulcers usually go away on their own within a week or two. In the meantime, you can use a topical cream or ointment to help relieve pain and speed up healing.
Cold sores: These blister-like lesions are caused by the herpes virus and can be painful and unsightly. There is no cure for cold sores, but you can take antiviral medication to shorten the duration of an outbreak. You can also apply a topical cream or ointment to the lesion to help with pain and healing.
Oral thrush: This fungal infection is common in people with weakened immune systems, such as HIV patients or cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. It can also occur in babies and elderly adults. Oral thrush is treated with antifungal medication, which is available in pill form or as a mouth rinse.
Leukoplakia: This condition causes white patches to form on the tongue or inside of the cheek. Leukoplakia is often harmless, but it can sometimes be a sign of oral cancer. The patches should be biopsied to determine the cause. Treatment may include topical medications, laser therapy, or surgery, depending on the cause.
Oral cancer: Oral cancer is a serious condition that requires professional medical treatment. Treatment may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.
No matter what type of oral lesion you have, it is important to seek medical advice if the lesion does not heal on its own or if it worsens.
When should you see a doctor for oral lesions?
Oral lesions are generally harmless and do not require treatment. However, if you have an oral lesion that is:
-bleeding
-painful
-growing rapidly
-ulcerated (has an open sore)
-located on the tongue or in the mouth lining
then you should see a doctor for evaluation. Oral lesions can be caused by a number of conditions, some of which may require treatment.
Conclusion
Oral lesions can be both painful and disconcerting, but with the right treatment plan they do not have to remain a problem. In this article, we have discussed what you should know about oral lesions and provided some helpful tips on how to treat them. From brushing your teeth twice daily and using a fluoride toothpaste, to visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and getting timely treatments – all of these strategies will help keep oral lesions at bay. With proper care and attention, you can ensure that your mouth is healthy and free of any unwanted issues in no time!