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.