Oral Cancer Screenings in

Woodbridge

What Is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is any type of cancer that affects the tissues of your mouth including the lips, jaw, tongue, and cheeks. About 50,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer in the US every year. Men have twice the risk of developing oral cancer compared to women, on average.

In addition, there are many risk factors that may make you more likely to develop oral cancer, such as being over the age of 50, smoking and using any other tobacco products, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive sun exposure, HPV (Human papillomavirus) infection or a family history of cancer.

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Did you know…

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Unless it’s diagnosed by a dentist, oral cancer often goes undetected until it spreads to the rest of your body. This is why routine oral cancer screenings are so important. Contact us now to get a consultation at our office!

Ready to schedule your child’s appointment?

703-775-0202

How Do You Check For Oral Cancer?

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Visual exam

Dr. Bailey will begin by looking closely at your mouth, often with the help of magnifying tools. She will look for any lesions, bumps, or abnormalities that may indicate the presence of cancer.

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Intraoral cameras

An intraoral camera allows Dr. Bailey to get a closer look at lesions and abnormalities in your mouth, ensuring even small bumps or lumps can be examined closely during your appointment at Bailey Orthodontics.

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Discussing changes in oral health

Dr. Bailey may ask you about changes in your oral health and overall health, such as if your mouth is bleeding regularly, if you have trouble chewing or swallowing, or if you’ve been experiencing hoarseness or a chronic sore throat.

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Biopsies

If Dr. Bailey suspects a particular piece of tissue may be cancerous, she may take a biopsy. A biopsy is a small piece of tissue taken from a lesion, which is sent to a lab where it is processed to look for the presence of cancer cells.

Common questions

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How Do You Check For Oral Cancer?

  • Visual exam - Dr. Bailey will begin by looking closely at your mouth, often with the help of magnifying tools. She will look for any lesions, bumps, or abnormalities that may indicate the presence of cancer.
  • Intraoral cameras – An intraoral camera allows Dr. Bailey to get a closer look at lesions and abnormalities in your mouth, ensuring even small bumps or lumps can be examined closely during your appointment at Bailey Orthodontics.
  • Discussing changes in oral health – Dr. Bailey may ask you about changes in your oral health and overall health, such as if your mouth is bleeding regularly, if you have trouble chewing or swallowing, or if you’ve been experiencing hoarseness or a chronic sore throat.
  • Biopsies – If Dr. Bailey suspects a particular piece of tissue may be cancerous, she may take a biopsy. A biopsy is a small piece of tissue taken from a lesion, which is sent to a lab where it is processed to look for the presence of cancer cells.

What Are the Common Signs of Oral Cancer?

The most common sign of oral cancer is changes in your oral tissue, such as rough spots, lumps and bumps, swellings, thickenings, or discolored patches of skin and tissue on your lips, gums, and in other areas of your mouth.

You may also notice persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth that may easily bleed and do not heal within 2 weeks. Some people may also experience a sore throat and hoarseness, chronic ear pain, difficulty chewing and swallowing, or changes in how their teeth fit together.

What Do I Do If I Have Oral Cancer?

Even if Dr. Bailey does notice some abnormalities in your mouth, this does not necessarily mean that you have cancer. She will need to send a biopsy for evaluation and to confirm whether or not cancerous cells are present.

If you do test positive for oral cancer, you will be referred to a medical oncologist (cancer specialist) who will help you explore your options for treatment including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

The good news is that, if a dentist identifies your oral cancer early, it probably has not spread to the rest of your body. When caught early, the prognosis for oral cancer is very good.

Did you know…

Children’s orthodontics can reduce your child’s chance of dental injury.

Looking to see if orthodontic care is the right fit for your child?

703-775-0202

Have questions about children’s orthodontics? Find answers here.

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What are the signs that my child may need orthodontic treatment?

If your child shows one or more of the following signs and symptoms, they may be a good candidate for orthodontic treatment:

  • Underbites

  • Crossbites

  • Crowded teeth

  • Excessively gapped teeth

  • Extra or missing teeth

  • Excessive thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking

Our team is happy to work directly with you and your child to assess these symptoms before they become severe issues over time.

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What are the benefits of children’s orthodontics?

Early treatment can be in a patient’s best interest if their problem is one that could worsen over time and cause severe dental issues in adulthood if left untreated. The goal of children’s orthodontics is to recognize and eliminate these problems as early as possible, so a child’s teeth and jaw can properly grow and maintain space for incoming adult teeth.

What causes orthodontic problems in my child?

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While many orthodontic problems are inherited, some are caused by common habits over time, such as thumb sucking, finger sucking, or excessive pacifier use. Other factors such as mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, poor dental hygiene, or early or late loss of baby teeth, accidents, and poor nutrition can alter your child’s teeth and jaw alignment. No matter the cause, our team will cater to your child’s unique needs and teach them healthy habits for a lifetime of optimal oral health.

What age should my child be seen by an orthodontist?

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The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child’s first check-up should take place before the age of 7 or any time an orthodontic issue is noticed before then. By the age of 7, your child’s mouth holds enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to gain a strong understanding of your child’s mouth and jaws as they develop. This provides your orthodontist with plenty of information to give your child a tailored treatment.

How much does children’s orthodontics cost?

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The cost of children’s orthodontics is different for each patient. Factors that may affect the cost include the severity of your child’s teeth misalignment, appointment and visits, insurance type, and more. The best way to find out how much you’ll pay for your child’s care is to schedule a consultation with your orthodontist.

Did you know…

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4.5 million children wear braces each year to achieve the smile of their dreams.

Looking to Book a Complimentary Consultation?

703-775-0202

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