Oral Pathology in West St Paul, MN
Oral Pathology
Oral Pathology is a field that diagnoses and treats disorders of the mouth and maxillofacial region. Analyses are done with the help of several examinations, including microscopic, radiographic, biochemical, and other clinical tests. At Elite Dental LLC in West St. Paul, MN, Dr. Mimi Hoang is specially trained and educated to diagnose specific diseases like throat and mouth cancers, mumps, salivary gland disorders, ulcers, infections, and more.
Symptoms of Oral Pathology
The inside of a healthy mouth is generally lined with a smooth, coral pink skin called the mucosa. Any changes in the appearance of your mucosa could be a warning sign of a pathological ailment, the most severe being oral cancer. We recommend you schedule a visit to our Elite Dental LLC office if you observe any of the following symptoms:
- Red and white patches in the mouth
- A sore that bleeds easily or is not healingÂ
- A thickening or lump on the skin lining inside the mouth
- Persistent sore throat
- Hoarse voice
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
The above symptoms and other changes in the color or texture of your palate, lips, cheeks, gum tissues, tongue, face, and neck, should be closely monitored. Pain is not always the first sign of ailment in your mouth, and, most often; it is not linked to oral cancer. However, if you are experiencing oral or facial pain without any apparent reason, schedule a dental examination at the earliest.
Patients at Risk for Oral Pathology
Certain lifestyle habits can contribute to an increased possibility of oral pathology. People who use tobacco, drink excess alcohol, or are often exposed to the sun are at an increased risk of pathology. Some studies have put forward the theory that human papillomavirus (HPV) contributes to the occurrence of oral cancer. Still, there are many instances in which some oral pathology patients do not have any of the risky lifestyle habits. Hence oral cancer screening becomes important.
Oral Pathology Screenings
 Dr. Mimi Hoang recommends monthly self-examinations to check for any changes in the color and appearance of your mouth and any of the symptoms mentioned above. It would help if you never ignored a suspicious sore or lump in your mouth, as it may be a sign of a change in your oral pathology. Schedule a dental examination promptly.Â
Professional oral cancer screenings should be taken at least once a year. We will perform a comprehensive exam of your mouth to check for abnormalities. If we observe any irregularities, we may prescribe additional tests and screenings. We will also consider any risk factors in your lifestyle and recommend how best to keep your oral health functioning at its best.
To learn more about our oral pathology assessments, visit your dentist in West St Paul, MN at our office, Elite Dental LLC, at 1525 Livingston Ave, Suite B, West St Paul, MN 55118. You can also reach us at (952) 432-1716 and schedule an appointment.