Soreness or burning

White or red lesions

Dryness or taste changes

Any discoloration of skin or mucosa

Swellings or bumps

Smoking or chewing tobacco-related problems

Problems during or after radiotherapy and chemotherapy for cancer

Abnormal findings of dental or jaw x-rays

The causes of these conditions can be locally related, such as allergies, trauma or infections, but more often they are systemic. “The mouth is a mirror of the body”. Some of these conditions can be the very first sign of a serious systemic disease and should not be ignored. The seemingly “small” problems could be life threatening if left untreated. Others are chronic, proper treatment can prevent future flare-ups.