Oral Pathologies

Early diagnosis is key to achieving the best possible outcomes. We recommend making an appointment to see one of our oral and maxillofacial specialists if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• persistent sores or ulcers that haven’t healed within 2 weeks
• lumps or swellings in your mouth or neck
• red or white patches in your mouth
• unexplained pain or discomfort in your mouth, jaw or face
• changes in your gums, such as bleeding or inflammation
• difficulty chewing or swallowing
• facial numbness
• oral or facial pain

At an initial consultation, your Welbeck oral and maxillofacial specialist will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth, head and neck, and discuss your medical history and symptoms.

In most cases, they’ll then arrange for you to have some diagnostic tests. At Welbeck, we use advanced tools and techniques to make accurate diagnoses, including:

• biopsy - a small sample of tissue is taken for examination in the laboratory. This is the gold standard in testing for many oral conditions, including oral cancer
• imaging - X-rays, CT scans and MRI scans can provide detailed views of your oral and facial structures, helping your consultant identify any abnormalities
• blood tests and cultures - these are useful in the detection of infections and autoimmune disorders

The most appropriate treatment depends on your diagnosis. At Welbeck, our experts specialise in the treatment of the full range of oral and maxillofacial conditions, so whatever your diagnosis, you’re in the best hands.

Oral and maxillofacial treatments provided at Welbeck include:

• medications such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, or immunosuppressants to treat infections and autoimmune diseases
• surgical interventions to remove tumours, cysts, and other abnormal growths in the oral and maxillofacial regions

At Welbeck, our oral and maxillofacial specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

If you'd like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

How do lifestyle factors outside the mouth influence oral pathological conditions?

Conditions in the mouth can be affected by what’s happening elsewhere in the body. For example, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, and immune disorders can make oral lesions more likely or harder to heal. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake can also significantly reduce the risk of serious oral diseases.

When might a benign-looking lesion need further investigation?

Even if a growth or patch appears harmless and you have no pain, it may require further assessment if it has changed colour, size, or texture, appears persistently rough, or has unusual features (such as white and red areas mixed). A biopsy might be recommended to rule out early malignant changes.

How can I monitor my oral health between specialist visits?

Regular self-checks are very useful. Use a mirror and good lighting to inspect the inside of your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and roof/floor of the mouth. Look for new or changing patches, lumps, stickiness, persistent ulcers, or discolouration. Note any changes and raise them with your specialist.

Can stress or hormonal changes contribute to oral pathologies?

Yes, high stress levels and hormonal fluctuations can sometimes trigger or worsen certain oral conditions. For example, stress may contribute to mouth ulcers or teeth grinding, while hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can affect gum health. Managing stress and maintaining good oral hygiene can help reduce flare-ups.