Oral diseases cover a wide range of conditions affecting the lips, the inner cheeks, the tongue, the palate, the gums and the floor of the mouth. Aphthous ulcers, mouth sores, fungal infections (thrush), tongue lesions and changes in colour inside the mouth are the most commonly encountered. Most are benign and resolve quickly; some lesions, however, call for early diagnosis.
Our founder, Prof. Dr. Semih Özbayrak, brings many years of academic experience in oral medicine and oral pathology. The early recognition and correct assessment of intraoral lesions form the basis of a clinical approach shaped by his academic work.
Commonly seen oral conditions
Aphthous ulcers (canker sores): Recurring, painful, round ulcers inside the mouth. They usually heal on their own within one to two weeks. Stress, fatigue, certain foods and vitamin deficiencies can trigger them. Ulcers that recur frequently or are slow to heal require assessment.
Mouth sores: Sores can develop on the cheek, lip or tongue from trauma, biting or pressure from a denture. Most heal once the cause is removed; any sore lasting more than two weeks should be examined by a dentist.
Oral thrush (candidiasis): A fungal infection that presents as white, wipeable patches inside the mouth. It can occur in infants, in denture wearers and in people with a weakened immune system; treatment is planned under the direction of a dentist.
Tongue conditions: White patches, geographic tongue, a burning sensation or changes in colour may have a range of causes. Any tongue lesion that does not resolve must be assessed.
Changes in colour inside the mouth: White (leukoplakia) or red patches that cannot be wiped away may be significant and require early assessment.
When should you see a specialist?
You should see a specialist in oral medicine if you have a sore lasting more than two weeks, white or red patches that cannot be wiped away, swelling that keeps growing, unexplained bleeding or numbness. Early diagnosis is decisive in managing intraoral conditions correctly.