Oral Pathology ScarboroughOral Pathology provided by Dr. Doss in Scarborough, ME at Coastal Maine Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery  Many times patients fail to realize that there is a direct and distinct link between the health of the oral cavity and the overall health of their body. That is one reason why it is so important to properly maintain your oral cavity by brushing and flossing at least twice a day. When the oral health suffers from infection or disease, it can easily spread throughout the body and complicate the patient's health even further. The oral infection, once spread throughout the body, can harm important organs and systems in the rest of the body. This can then compromise important body functions and further damage the patient's medical health. For those patients who have found something in their oral cavity that worries them should come to our Coastal Maine Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery office for an evaluation by Dr. Doss, who has been teaching Oral Pathology at the University of New England for 31 years. The Definition of Oral PathologyThe identification of any disease or infection in the oral cavity which requires intervention or treatment is the definition of oral pathology. What does that mean exactly? It is the study of all aspects of the oral cavity and how those aspects affect the health of the jaw and the mouth. Early detection is the key in effectively treating any progressive illness such as periodontal disease. If not treated as soon as possible, then widespread devastation can occur. One of the areas we always focus on is the mucosa. This is the protective layer in the interior of the cheek. When it is pink it is considered healthy. However, when it has odd patches or discolored anomalies, then it is considered compromised. This can be indicative that more assessment is necessary to determine what is going on. In some cases, those tissue anomalies present themselves as white patches on the interior lining of the cheek or as swollen and inflamed tissue. In other situations, the changes in pathology could present as bleeding gums or odd discharge at the base of the teeth. It is important that any change in oral pathology be addressed with the appropriate treatment to ensure a positive outcome. Are Some Pathologies Dangerous?Some pathologies can indeed be dangerous. One such pathology is cancer. When these damaging pathologies are discovered early, the treatment outcome is greatly improved. While many patients become fearful when they discover something anomalous in their oral cavity, in the vast majority of the cases, the tissue anomalies prove to be benign and not cancerous in nature. Patients should perform self-examinations while they brush and floss their teeth in order to aid in early detection. Any patients who have questions regarding their oral pathology should come to our Coastal Maine Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery office to let us do a full examination. We are also available by phone at this number: (207) 945-7840. Contact us today to get answers to your questions or to have an appointment scheduled. |
