Introduction to Oral Diseases

Walter Laszewski, a dermatologist specializing in mucosal diseases at Northwestern, provides an overview of oral disease management, focusing on mouth anatomy, interdisciplinary collaboration between dermatologists and dentists, and treatment options. The talk highlights the importance of understanding mouth anatomy, including teeth and gingiva structure, as well as the need for precise documentation when referring patients to specialists. He notes crucial differences between dermatologists and dentists, particularly regarding training in oral diseases and biopsies. Oral medicine dentists can manage chronic conditions but lack prescription abilities for certain medications. Laszewski emphasizes the significance of knowing how to treat the oral cavity, detailing the effectiveness of various topical agents and systemic treatments, including antifungals, steroids, and injectable medicines like ILK. He underlines that health professionals should consider both the keratinized and non-keratinized surfaces of the mouth when prescribing therapies and acknowledges the overlap in care responsibilities where oral diseases are concerned, highlighting the necessity of referring patients to appropriate specialists such as ENTs for biopsies and more complex cases. Finally, he elaborates on treatment options for inflammatory disorders, stressing the importance of addressing both the underlying condition and potential secondary infections.