The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) comprises the mandibular condyle and the glenoid fossa of the temporal bone, covered by fibrocartilage, which provides greater resilience and support to mechanical stress [1]. This joint can be affected by bone deterioration, causing...
Haeseong Lee
The Link Between Tobacco, Alcohol, and Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a significant public health problem worldwide, ranking as the 6th most common cancer with a 5-year survival rate of 50% [1]. It accounts for roughly 3% of all cancers diagnosed annually in the United States. On average, 90% of these cases are oral...
Compliance in Online Teaching: A Case Study of Orofacial Pain Program at Ostrow School of Dentistry
In recent years, and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the landscape of higher education has undergone a significant transformation with the proliferation of online learning platforms and the increasing demand for flexible educational opportunities. In response...
When to See a Dermatologist for Lichen Planus
Lichen planus (LP) is an immune-mediated disease with an unknown etiology. Its clinical presentation waxes and wanes, and its severity goes from symptomatic oral erosions with erythema to asymptomatic white striations. In the oral cavity, the locations of these...
Diagnosing TMD: When to Consider a Rheumatological Referral
Painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD) stands as a prevalent source of orofacial pain, affecting 5-12% of US adults. As dentists, our encounters with TMD cases are frequent, with patients presenting discomfort, audible sounds, or limitations in jaw movement. Despite...
TMJ Clicking Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints in the body. It is considered a ginglymoarthrodial joint because it provides rotation (ginglymoid) and translation (arthrodial) movements [1]. It is formed by the mandibular condyle and the temporal...
Common Viruses of the mouth: Herpes Simplex Viruses 1 and 2
Common viruses that can be present in the oral cavity are Herpes Simplex 1 and 2. Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) is spread predominantly through infected saliva or active perioral lesions. HSV-1 is adapted best and performs more efficiently in the oral, facial,...
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Silent Killer
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a deadly malignancy disease that primarily affects the oral cavity tissue and accounts for more than 90% of all oral malignancies [1]. OSCC dramatically affects patients’ quality of life, resulting in high morbidity and mortality rates. The...
Salivary Gland Tumors: Rarity, Risks, and Treatment Insights
Salivary glands are exocrine glands that produce saliva in the oral cavity. The major salivary glands are parotid, submandibular, and sublingual. The minor salivary glands line the oral mucosa and the upper digestive tract. Salivary gland tumors are uncommon. The most...
Exploring the World of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Radiology
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology is a specialized field in dentistry and pathology that focuses on understanding, identifying, and treating diseases that impact the oral and maxillofacial region. It involves investigating the reasons behind these diseases, how they...
Oral Medicine Specialists for Complex Health Conditions
Oral medicine was recently acknowledged as the 11th ADA-recognized specialty in dentistry. The American Academy of Oral Medicine defines oral medicine as the specialty of dentistry responsible for the oral health care of medically complex patients and for diagnosing...
Orofacial Pain Specialists and Solutions
Orofacial pain specialists are dentists who diagnose and treat orofacial pain disorders. Orofacial Pain (OFP) is the latest specialty of dentistry recognized by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards. In 2020, this...
A Closer Look at MRONJ: Medications, Risks, and Dental Management
Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) occurs when there is damage to the bone that interrupts the nutrient supply or because of a medical condition that reduces bone health (Sedghizadeh, 2009). When the ONJ is associated with medications, it will be referred to as...
HPV Uncovered: Vaccination, Oral Lesions, and Comprehensive Care
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is an infectious disease that can cause lesions in the genital and oropharyngeal areas. It is considered the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. Besides being spread horizontally between individuals,...
White Oral Lesions That Need Your Attention
White lesions, also known as "white patches," in the oral cavity refer to abnormal areas of the oral mucosa that have a white or whitish appearance. They may present as patches or plaques on the soft tissues inside the mouth. White lesions can arise from various...
Can Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) Look Like Oral Epithelial Dysplasia?
Oral lichen planus is an immune-mediated disease with unknown etiology. Its clinical presentation waxes and wanes, and its severity goes from symptomatic oral erosions with erythema to asymptomatic white striations. The locations of these clinical signs are more...