Oral Cancer Screenings – Chesterfield, IL
Providing Early Detection for Growing Smiles
It is believed that more than 50,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. It would be natural to assume that most cases involve adults; however, the reality is that children are also victims of oral cancer. This is why Tic Tac Tooth offers oral cancer screenings in Chesterfield to provide early detection. This non-invasive approach allows us to check for abnormalities that may require further testing – a step that can often produce more positive outcomes. Let our team be your child’s first line of defense. Call us to schedule an appointment today.
Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer
You may be unaware of the symptoms commonly associated with oral cancer in children, which is why we are here to provide a few key signs to watch out for. Should you notice any of the following issues, make sure to call our office right away so that we can examine your child:
- Rough or thick soft oral tissues inside your child’s mouth
- Oral sores that last more than 10 days
- Your child complains of numbness inside their mouth
- Chronic sore throat
- Changes to your child’s voice
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Regular ear pain
- White or red patches of soft oral tissue
- Lumps or bumps around the neck or jaw, or inside their mouth
What Will My Child’s Dentist Look For During a Screening?
During an oral cancer screening, you can expect your child’s pediatric dentist to be looking for many of the signs that indicate a potential problem, such as oral lesions, swollen bumps inside the mouth, red or white patches, asymmetrical facial features, or even callous or rough tissues.
Apart from the visual examination that will occur, they will also want to ask about your child’s general health and whether they are experiencing a sore throat (one that persists), have a weakened immune system that is the result of an underlying condition, or if they may be using alcohol or tobacco. It’s also possible for sunburns to lead to oral cancer as well as the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted infection.
What Can I Expect During My Child’s Screening?
Your child’s oral cancer screening will be a quick and easy process. You can expect the dentist to visually examine your child’s lips for any lesions or rough spots that may appear, as well as check the back of their throat by instructing them to stick out their tongue.
The roof of the mouth, inside of their cheeks, and the underside of their tongue will also be examined closely. If necessary, we will gently touch the area beneath their jaw to make sure there are no existing bumps or tenderness.
As a reliable practice that offers pediatric dentistry in Chesterfield, Tic Tac Tooth believes incorporating oral cancer screenings is the best way to keep your child properly protected against this harmful disease. Should we find anything that is concerning, we will discuss it with you and recommend additional testing by a local specialist. No matter what the outcome might be, we will continue to provide the exceptional care your child deserves so that they can enjoy optimal oral and overall health as they grow.