Candida is a yeast infection that develops inside of your mouth. It causes white or yellow bumps to form on the inside of your cheeks and on the tongue. In most cases, candida responds to antifungal medication. Even so, if you have a medical condition that affects your immune system, you’re more likely to experience potentially serious complications.
Symptoms of candida include:
- White or yellow bumps inside your mouth
- Soreness or burning in your mouth
- Cracked skin at the edges of your mouth
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
As the condition gets worse, you might also feel like there are cotton balls in your mouth.
Everyone has some candida in their mouth. Good bacteria help manage its growth and keep it under control. If your immune system stops working, the balance of microorganisms in your body is disrupted. That may cause candida to grow out of control, resulting in uncomfortable side effects.
Other factors that increase your risk of candida include underlying medical issues like diabetes, leukemia, and HIV.
If you have a candida infection and kiss someone, it’s possible to pass it on to them. It’s also possible to spread candida through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. That’s why treatment is so important. If you suspect you might have a fungal infection, make an appointment at Oral Medicine & Pathology Center right away.
At Oral Medicine & Pathology Center, Dr. Sedghizadeh diagnoses candida with the OraRisk® Candida Test by Oral DNA® Labs. The test can identify more than 10 types of oral candida, including those resistant to standard antifungal treatments.
A candida test takes less than five minutes. First, Dr. Sedghizadeh asks you to open your mouth. Then, he collects a sample of saliva from the inside of your cheeks. Dr. Sedghizadeh sends your sample to an Oral DNA Labs facility. Technicians at the lab analyze your sample for the presence of candida.
After Dr. Sedghizadeh receives the results of your test, he develops a custom treatment plan that prevents the infection from spreading while encouraging your body’s natural healing process.
To see if you can benefit from a candida test, make an appointment at Oral Medicine & Pathology Center by calling the office or booking online today.
Herpes simplex is a common virus spread through direct contact with others. At Oral Medicine & Pathology Center, Dr. Sedghizadeh treats both types of HSV:
HSV-1 is the most common type of herpes simplex. In fact, it affects between 50-80% of adults. This type of HSV spreads through kissing or oral sex.
HSV-2 occurs in about one of every six people. It’s spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus.
HSV causes blisters to form on various parts of your body, like the mouth, genitals, or rectum. Herpes blisters easily break and leave behind tender, painful sores.
You might have HSV and not realize it. That’s because the virus can remain dormant for months or even years. Many people only experience outbreaks on occasion, as a result of external factors, like fatigue, illness, menstruation, or stress.
Make an appointment at Oral Medicine & Pathology Center if you experience any herpes-related symptoms, like small, painful blisters in or around your mouth. That’s especially true if you’ve had sex with someone you know has the herpes simplex virus.
At Oral Medicine & Pathology Center, Dr. Sedghizadeh diagnoses HSV using the OraRisk® HSV Test manufactured by Oral DNA® Labs. OraRisk is unique in that it can detect “shed virus” in your saliva specific to active infections or outbreaks.
During the test, Dr. Sedghizadeh has you open your mouth and collects a sample of saliva. Then, he sends your sample to the Oral DNA Labs facility that analyzes it for the presence of viral proteins.
If your test comes back positive, Dr. Sedghizadeh develops a custom treatment plan that reduces the frequency of flare-ups and relieves uncomfortable symptoms.
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for HSV. Even so, there are a variety of prescription medications that can relieve your symptoms and shorten the healing time between outbreaks. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, Dr. Sedghizadeh might recommend Famvir®, Zovirax®, or Valtrex®.
To request an HSV testing appointment at Oral Medicine & Pathology Center, call the office or book online today.Periodontal pathogens are organisms like viruses and bacteria that attack and destroy your gum tissue. Your mouth hosts more than 700 different types of bacteria. Some defend against harmful invaders, and others increase your risk of more serious medical conditions.
By identifying potentially harmful periodontal pathogens early on, it’s possible to treat them and reduce the risk of complications. At Oral Medicine & Pathology Center, Dr. Sedghizadeh uses advanced diagnostics, like DNA testing, to diagnose and treat periodontal pathogens.
Symptoms of periodontal pathogens may include:
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Bad breath
- Pain when chewing
- Spaces between your teeth
- A change in your bite
As the pathogens spread and your gums recede, you might also experience loose teeth.
If you experience any symptoms of gum disease, it’s essential to make an appointment with Dr. Sedghizadeh. The sooner he identifies the pathogens responsible, the sooner he’s able to develop a custom treatment plan that minimizes uncomfortable symptoms, helping you feel better.
At Oral Medicine & Pathology Center, Dr. Sedghizadeh diagnoses periodontal pathogens with MyPerioPath®, a test developed by Oral DNA® Labs. MyPerioPath is the most popular test for identifying oral pathogens responsible for gum disease and other systemic medical issues.
MyPerioPath tests for more than a dozen low risk, moderate risk, and high risk pathogens. After Dr. Sedghizadeh receives the results of your test, he develops a personalized treatment plan that eliminates the harmful pathogens, restoring your mouth to optimal health.
Undergoing a MyPerioPath test takes less than five minutes. Dr. Sedghizadeh has you open your mouth and collects a sample of your saliva. Then, he sends your sample to the Oral DNA Labs laboratory that analyzes it for the presence of periodontal pathogens. Most people receive the results of their test within 5-7 days*.
The easiest way to keep your gums healthy is to practice good oral hygiene. Dr. Sedghizadeh recommends brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist every six months for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning.
If you’re interested in getting tested for periodontal pathogens, make an appointment at Oral Medicine & Pathology Center by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.
*Individual results may vary.
HPV is a viral infection spread through sexual intercourse or skin-to-skin contact. There are dozens of strains of HPV. Some are harmless; others increase your risk of certain types of cancer.
Thanks to advances in DNA testing, it’s now possible to identify the various strains of HPV and determine if they’re low or high risk. After Dr. Sedghizadeh determines the type of HPV you have, he can develop a custom treatment plan that includes routine preventive screenings, dental cleanings, and healthy lifestyle changes.
Symptoms of HPV include:
- Genital warts
- Plantar warts
- Common warts
- Flat warts
If you experience warts in and around your mouth, make an appointment at Oral Medicine & Pathology Center right away.
An HPV infection occurs when the virus enters your body through a cut or a small tear in your skin. The virus can also spread through bodily fluids exchanged during oral or vaginal sex.
Over time, the virus builds up in your body, causing warts to form. Warts are contagious and spread through direct contact, like touch.
At Oral Medicine & Pathology Center, Dr. Sedghizadeh diagnoses HPV low and high risk with the OralRisk® HPV test from Oral DNA® Labs. The OralRisk HPV test can identify all 51 types of oral HPV.
Diagnosing oral HPV in its early stages is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of oral cancer. After making a diagnosis, Dr. Sedghizadeh develops a custom treatment plan that includes healthy lifestyle changes, routine checkups, and regular dental cleanings.
Getting an OralRisk HPV test takes less than five minutes. Dr. Sedghizadeh asks you to open your mouth and collects a sample of your saliva. Then, he sends it to Oral DNA Labs for analysis. Technicians at the lab identify the type (or types) of HPV you have and provide Oral Medicine & Pathology Center with the results.
Dr. Sedghizadeh uses your results to make recommendations for treatment.
If you want to get tested for HPV low and high risk, make an appointment at Oral Medicine & Pathology Center by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.