Dr Ashleigh Toh is a dental surgeon with advanced postgraduate training in Oral Medicine, focusing on the careful assessment and supportive management of oral mucosal conditions, chronic mouth discomfort, and diagnostic queries.
Dr Ashleigh Toh is a dental surgeon who completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) at the National University of Singapore in 2020. She subsequently completed her advanced postgraduate training leading to the Master of Science (MSc) in Oral Medicine from London in 2026.
Oral Medicine is the dental discipline dedicated to the non-surgical diagnosis, assessment, and management of medically related disorders affecting the oral and maxillofacial lining. These include persistent oral ulcers, chronic red and white patches, lichenoid reactions, burning mouth sensations, and salivary gland disorders.
Recognising that oral mucosal changes often cause anxiety or prolonged discomfort, Dr Toh emphasises a calm, step-by-step diagnostic process and clear communication, ensuring each patient and their referring clinician receive a thorough, evidence-informed appraisal.
Detailed evaluation of symptom history, medication review, and thorough soft-tissue assessment to understand the underlying presentation.
Prompt feedback and detailed clinical summaries back to referring dentists to ensure cohesive, ongoing patient care.
Non-surgical therapeutic strategies, patient reassurance, and surveillance plans aligned with current clinical evidence.
Dental practitioners may consider referral or case discussion for presentations including, but not limited to:
Ulcerations persisting longer than 2–3 weeks, frequent aphthous outbreaks, or atypical mucosal lesions warranting further evaluation.
Leukoplakia, erythroplakia, speckled or unexplained mucosal changes requiring surveillance or biopsy planning.
Persistent or unexplained soft tissue swellings, nodules, fibro-epithelial polyps, mucoceles, salivary gland enlargements, or mucosal lesions requiring diagnostic evaluation or biopsy planning.
Symptomatic reticular, erosive, or desquamative gingival manifestations, as well as suspected drug-induced mucosal reactions.
Chronic unexplained burning or altered oral sensations where conventional dental and periodontal sources have been excluded.
Post-radiotherapy hyposalivation, medication-induced salivary hypofunction, or clinical suspicion of systemic connective tissue disease (e.g. Sjögren's).
Management of post-head and neck radiotherapy effects including trismus, hyposalivation, persistent burning or discomfort.
Persistent halitosis unresolved by standard oral prophylaxis and periodontal treatment, requiring systematic assessment.
Send a referral note or clinical enquiry outlining the patient's presentation and key concern. If possible, include medical history, medication list, previous treatments, and relevant imaging or biopsy reports where available.
The patient attends an in-depth clinical consultation with mucosal examination and diagnostic discussion.
A written summary and proposed management plan are communicated back to the referring practitioner.
Changes in the mouth lining are common and can have many causes. The overviews below are for general educational awareness.
Mouth ulcers are breaks in the delicate oral lining. While common ulcers heal within 10 to 14 days, recurrent or persistent sores can stem from nutritional factors, autoimmune processes, stress, or other health conditions.
An inflammatory condition affecting the mucous membranes inside the mouth. It frequently appears as fine white lace-like patterns, red patches, or tender erosions on the inside of the cheeks, tongue, or gums.
Oral Lichen Planus should always be examined as it is a condition that can potentially become dysplasia or cancer. Treatment can also help improve symptoms such as soreness with spicy or citrus foods, bleeding red gums (desquamative gingivitis), or rough white patches.
A chronic burning, scalding, or altered sensation (dysaesthesia) affecting the tongue, lips, or oral lining. This encompasses unexplained dry mouth, altered taste, or itchiness where mucosal tissues appear completely normal despite marked discomfort.
A structured evaluation helps identify possible contributing factors such as dry mouth, nutritional deficiencies, systemic conditions, or nerve-related sensitivity to guide symptom management.
Reduced saliva flow or a constant subjective feeling of mouth dryness. Common causes include prescription medications, salivary gland changes, or autoimmune conditions. Saliva protects teeth and gums, making assessment valuable.
If dryness causes difficulty swallowing, speaking, a sticky sensation, or rapid tooth decay. Do not discontinue prescribed medications without medical advice.
Changes in mucosal color or texture that cannot be rubbed away. While many are benign reactions to dental friction, some require close clinical monitoring, biopsy, or regular surveillance to ensure mucosal health.
Any solitary red, white, or mixed lesion persisting longer than 2 weeks without an obvious physical cause should be evaluated professionally.
Swellings, raised spots, or lumps can appear on the lips, inner cheeks, tongue, gums, or roof of the mouth. Common causes include minor bite trauma, blocked salivary ducts (mucoceles), or benign fibrous growths, but any persisting or enlarging nodule needs careful clinical review.
Seek review if a lump or swelling lasts more than 2 to 3 weeks, continues to enlarge, feels firm or fixed, bleeds easily, or causes unexplained pain or numbness.
Ongoing oral malodor is a common and treatable concern. While frequently linked to microbial buildup on the tongue or gums, persistent cases may involve salivary issues, nasal passage secretions, or systemic factors.
When bad breath persists despite meticulous home brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings, a targeted assessment can identify underlying oral causes.
The information provided on this website is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for an in-person clinical examination, professional diagnosis, or individual medical advice. Any persistent oral symptom, sore, or colour change lasting longer than two weeks should be evaluated by a dental surgeon or doctor. For acute breathing difficulties, severe facial swelling, or rapid bleeding, please visit an emergency department immediately.
An Oral Medicine consultation is focused on understanding your individual symptoms in depth within a calm and unhurried setting.
We begin by discussing when your symptoms first appeared, how they fluctuate, what brings relief or aggravation, and your complete medical and medication history.
A gentle, systematic inspection of the entire oral lining, including the lips, cheeks, tongue borders, palate, floor of mouth, and salivary glands.
We discuss likely causes and whether any supportive investigations—such as a small diagnostic biopsy, blood test, or salivary flow assessment—are clinically indicated.
You will receive clear guidance on symptom relief, oral care adjustments, lifestyle measures, and a tailored monitoring schedule.
To help us make the most of your consultation, please bring along:
Dr Toh provides clinical dental consultations across three clinics in Singapore. Consultation appointments and oral mucosal assessments are scheduled directly with each clinic according to her practice session timings below.