The 12 Days of Dental Pathology
Tis the season to have a little fun!
If dental offices had their own holiday carol, it would probably involve PPE, patient questions that start with “this has been here a while…,” and one heroic assistant trying to find the last working intraoral camera. So, in the spirit of seasonal cheer, we present a festive twist on a Christmas classic: The 12 Days of Dental Pathology.
And yes, you’re allowed to hum while you read.
**On the First Day of Pathology, My Patient Brought to Me…
A White Patch That Would Not Rub Away**
(Leukoplakia: simple presentation, serious potential.
Always documented, never ignored.)
**On the Second Day of Pathology…
Two Tender Ulcers**
(Aphthous ulcers – the universal annoyance.
Small, painful, and always appearing right before a holiday dinner.)
**On the Third Day of Pathology…
Three Red Spots**
(Erythroplakia: less common, more concerning, and always biopsy-worthy.)
**On the Fourth Day of Pathology…
Four Swollen Nodes**
(Cervical lymphadenopathy reminding you: systemic health and oral findings are permanent partners.)
**On the Fifth Day of Pathology…
Fiiiiive Burn-ing Rings**
(Perioral erythema from cinnamon allergy or spicy winter treats.
‘Tis the season for mucosal irritation.)
**On the Sixth Day of Pathology…
Six Spots of Thrush**
(Candida never met a stressed immune system it didn’t like.
Holiday sugar doesn’t help either.)
**On the Seventh Day of Pathology…
Seven Viral Vesicles**
(Herpetic lesions making inconvenient appearances right before family photos.)
**On the Eighth Day of Pathology…
Eight Biting Injuries**
(Linea alba, cheek chewing, tongue trauma — the nervous-tic hall of fame.)
**On the Ninth Day of Pathology…
Nine Pigmented Patches**
(From amalgam tattoos to melanotic macules, not all dark spots are created equal.
**On the Tenth Day of Pathology…
Ten Tori Growing**
Mandibular, palatal — a bony surprise for anyone new to dentistry.)
**On the Eleventh Day of Pathology…
Eleven Red Gingivae**
(Inflamed tissue courtesy of holiday stress, bruxism, or gift-wrapping posture.)
**On the Twelfth Day of Pathology…
Twelve Clues for Screening**
(Because the best gift you can give your patients (and your license) is a thorough soft-tissue exam.)
Dental teams see more in a day than most people realize, and a good understanding of oral pathology turns those “holiday surprises” into confident, well-managed clinical decisions. If your team would like a refresher that’s practical, straightforward, and designed for real-world practice, our Oral Pathology Review Course is ready whenever you are — no singing required.