Have you ever wondered why dentists ask kids to say “ahhhh” or move their tongues side to side while looking in their mouths with a light? They are doing oral cancer screenings to keep an eye out for the dangerous disease.
Although kids are at low risk for this cancer, some children can get it. However, by doing a screening during their biannual visits to our practice, ToothTown of Greeley, our kids friendly dentists in Greeley, CO, can catch it in the early stages.
Oral Cancer Symptoms
Although the disease is rare in kids, parents should know the symptoms to watch out for, especially if they or someone in their immediate family had it. This cancer can run in families too. Some of the symptoms to look out for are:
- Red, speckled, or white lesions in the mouth
- Mouth sores that won’t heal
- Difficulty swallowing
- Changes to their voice
- A sore throat that doesn’t clear
- Consistent ear pain
These are some of the same symptoms that adults have if they get oral cancer, so knowing them can save your life too. Although many of these symptoms can indicate other oral diseases, you should visit our dentists near you for an oral cancer screening in Greeley, CO, if anyone in your family has these symptoms.
Causes of Oral Cancer in Kids
The normal causes of oral cancer for adults don’t usually apply to children, which are heavy alcohol use and smoking. The causes in children are:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Lack of fresh produce in the diet
- Too much sun exposure causing cancer on the lip
To prevent these causes, feed your children a healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh produce and less sugar. Use sunscreen lip balm and sunscreen on exposed skin when they go outside, and see your physician about the HPV vaccine when they are eligible to get it. Children as young as nine can get the shot.
Remember that oral cancer is rare in children, but it’s possible. Make sure to see one of our kids friendly dentists at ToothTown of Greeley for routine exams and cleanings every six months to keep their smiles healthy and get oral cancer screenings near you.
FAQ's
An oral cancer screening involves a thorough visual and physical assessment of the mouth, tongue, and adjacent tissues. We check for unusual sores, lumps, or color changes. Although oral cancer is rare in children, routine screenings help ensure healthy tissue development.
Oral cancer is uncommon in children, but examining the soft tissues is a standard part of a complete dental checkup. Screening helps identify abnormalities early and allows us to monitor changes over time.
No, the screening is gentle and non-invasive. We visually examine the mouth and lightly feel certain areas to check for irregularities. As a Greeley pediatric dentist, we include this evaluation as part of routine exams.
We look for sores that do not heal, unusual red or white patches, swelling, or lumps inside the mouth. Changes in tissue texture are also evaluated. At our dental office in Greeley, soft tissue exams are performed carefully during regular checkups.
Soft tissue evaluations are typically included in routine dental exams every six months. Even though oral cancer is rare in children, consistent monitoring allows us to track normal development and identify anything unusual early.
Risk factors in children are uncommon but may include certain medical conditions or exposure to tobacco in adolescence. During each visit, we review health history and assess any reported symptoms to determine if additional evaluation is needed.
If we identify an area of concern, we may recommend monitoring it closely or referring your child for further evaluation. Many parents searching for a pediatric dentist near me ask about the next steps, and careful follow-up ensures any changes are addressed appropriately.
A comprehensive dental exam includes evaluating not only the teeth but also the neighboring soft tissues. While oral cancer is rare in children, checking the tongue, cheeks, lips, and throat helps ensure overall oral health. As a Greeley pediatric dentist, we examine these areas for changes in color, texture, or shape that may require monitoring. Including this screening as part of routine care supports early identification of abnormalities and reinforces healthy habits.
The screening involves visually inspecting the inside of the mouth and gently palpating areas such as the cheeks, jawline, and neck. The process is quick and does not require special preparation. At our dental office in Greeley, we explain what we are checking in simple terms so your child understands the exam. Most children do not notice any discomfort during this part of the visit.
Oral cancer in children is uncommon. However, persistent sores, unexplained swelling, or changes in the mouth that last more than two weeks should be evaluated. If you notice ongoing symptoms, schedule a dental exam for assessment. Parents looking for a kids dentist near me often ask about warning signs, and regular visits help provide reassurance and monitoring when needed.