ORAL PATHOLOGY

Determining The Root Cause Of Oral Diseases

Study, Diagnosis & Treatment In Newport News, VA

Treating A Variety Of Oral Diseases

Even when you take good care of your smile with proper dental hygiene and regular trips to the dentist, sometimes things can still go wrong. In cases where you discover unusual symptoms in and around your mouth such as bleeding, pain or swelling, oral pathology helps us to determine the root cause of the issue and develop a treatment plan accordingly.

Oyster Point Oral & Facial Surgery

Comprehensive Approach To Oral Health

What Is Oral Pathology?

Oral pathology is the study, diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the teeth, gums, bones, joints, glands, skin and muscles in the mouth. Through oral pathology, our team is able to detect, diagnose and treat a variety of oral diseases from gum disease to cancer.

This science takes into consideration not just routine lab results and physical examinations, but also your personal health background, any medications you might be taking, or lifestyle habits that might be affecting your oral health. By taking this comprehensive approach to oral health, we’re able to find the root cause of these conditions beyond simply prescribing improved dental hygiene habits or products.

Ensure Long Term Oral Health

Warning Signs

There are a variety of oral conditions that can arise as the result of bacteria or viruses in and around your mouth. Often, the early signs of these conditions are difficult to perceive on your own, which is why regular visits to your dentist are essential for your long term oral health.

However, there are a series of warning signs that commonly accompany one or multiple of these conditions. 

  • Pain in the mouth, jaw or neck

  • Reddish patches (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth

  • A sore that bleeds easily and fails to heal

  • A lump or thick spot on the skin lining the inside of the mouth

  • Chronic sore throat symptoms or hoarseness

  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing

These symptoms can be found by inspecting your lips, cheeks, palate and the gum tissue around your teeth, tongue, face and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology, and is also not often associated with oral cancer. As such, we encourage you not to only rely on pain detection to determine if you are displaying signs of oral health problems. That said, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause may also be at risk for oral cancer.

We recommend performing a self-examination for oral cancer every month. Remember, your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems for your overall health. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores, and remember to contact us if problems do arise so we may help.

A Healthy Mouth Is The Key To A Healthy Body

Maintaining Good Oral Health

The most powerful tool in your arsenal to protect against oral health issues is to practice proper dental hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits. Taking care of your smile is about more than just a straight, white smile. Truly, a healthy mouth is the key to a healthy body.

Be sure to follow proper hygiene and lifestyle habits for the betterment of your oral health, such as: 

  • Brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day

  • Flossing and/or cleaning between your teeth at least once a day

  • Maintaining regular dental visits, usually biannually

  • Staying hydrated

  • Getting a good night’s sleep regularly

  • Avoiding substances like cigarettes and alcohol

  • Limiting sugar intake

  • Maintaining a healthy diet

  • Keeping tabs on your oral health outside of dental visits

Passionate About Offering Exceptional Care

Request An Appointment

At Oyster Point Oral & Facial Surgery, we believe that patients deserve the best, and we work hard to provide exactly that to every patient who comes through our doors. Simply fill out the form below and our team will contact you to schedule your appointment at our office. We look forward to meeting you!

Location

11842 Rock Landing Drive
Suite 105
Newport News, VA 23606

Hours

Monday – Thursday
8:30 am– 5 pm

Friday
8:30 am – 12:30 pm

Contact

Call Us:
757-596-1200