Dr. Boyd was at the medical and dental schools of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio from 1988 through 1992 performing post-doctoral studies with an emphasis in oral medicine.  Oral medicine encompasses the diagnosis and management of many diseases that can affect the oral cavity.  Some of the more common diseases include the following:

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes the common lesion known as the "fever blister" or "cold sore".  Most people are exposed to this virus by the time they are three or four years old.  The virus then lives in a nerve ganglia and is later activated in some people.  Sun exposure, stress, and immunodeficiency can bring on outbreaks of herpes.  The typical lesion occurs on the lips and is a blister that develops into a crusty sore.  It usually heals in 7-10 days.  If you are experiencing frequent severe attacks, medication is available.  It is important not to touch the lesion because it is full of live virus and can be spread to others and to other parts of your body such as your eyes, fingers and genitals.

Recurrent aphthous ulcerations (RAS) or "canker sores" affect about 30% of the population and are characterized by multiple ulcerations in the mouth.  Common locations are the cheeks, soft palate, and under the tongue.  Minor aphthous ulcerations are less than 1 cm in diameter and last for about 7 to 10 days.  Major aphthous ulcerations are larger than 1 cm and can last for weeks.  Many people with major aphthous are never without an ulcer as one forms as another is healing.  The cause of these ulcers is unclear, but it appears to be related to a defect in a certain kind of white blood cell called a polymorphonuclear leukocyte.  Medication is available to help manage aphthous ulcers.  Also, using toothpaste that does not contain the ingredient sodium lauryl sulfate has been shown to decrease the frequency of these ulcers by 70%.  Rembrandt makes a toothpaste without this ingredient.