How often should my child have an oral cancer screening?

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that can develop in the mouth. It can develop in the throat, gums, or even the tongue. Many parents do not realize how important routine oral cancer screenings are, even for children, and may want to ask Drs. John De Lorme, Sam Wu, and Chris Carillo at South OC Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics about screening for this and other oral health concerns.

Does my child need an oral cancer screening with a pediatric dentist?

Yes, your child should have an oral cancer screening with a pediatric dentist. While oral cancer is rare in children, it is still a possibility. Children who have a family history of oral cancer are at a much higher risk of developing early-stage mouth cancer and may want to have a complete evaluation done at each appointment.

What happens during an oral cancer screening with the dentist?

During an oral cancer screening, your pediatric dentist will visually examine your child’s mouth to look for any signs of abnormal tissue growth or lesions that could indicate something more serious. Your dentist may also use special instruments to help detect changes in the mouth’s soft tissues that could indicate early signs of oral cancer. Further testing or evaluation may be necessary if anything suspicious is found during the exam. Early detection and diagnosis of oral cancer can often improve the success rate of treatment.

It is important to speak with your pediatric dentist about any family history or risk factors that could increase your child’s chances of developing oral cancer. Together, you and your dentist can determine how often an oral cancer screening should be done to ensure that any changes are monitored closely. Regular check-ups with a pediatric dentist can help ensure that if anything does develop, it is caught in its earliest stages. Your child’s health and safety come first, so take the time to ask questions and get all the information you need to ensure an informed decision about whether an oral cancer screening is right for your child.

Schedule a visit today!

If you are concerned about screening for oral cancer for your child, call South OC Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics today in Mission Viejo, CA, to discuss your options. The office is at 26302 La Paz Road #114 and can be reached by calling (949) 581 5800. Our facility is open to families in San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Coto de Caza, Rancho Santa Margarita, and other nearby cities in California.