Oral Cancer Screenings for Kids – Chesterfield, MO
Rest Easier with a Clean Bill of Health for Your Child
At Homer Sedighi, DMD, our team includes two highly skilled, warm, and compassionate pediatric dentists in Chesterfield that always prioritize your most precious smile. Although incredibly rare in children, oral cancer is a possibility for patients across all walks of life and ages, which is why our team completes routine screenings at each of your child’s bi-annual checkups. If you don’t know the last time your child has been screened for oral cancer, schedule a consultation with our pediatric dentists today so you can rest assured knowing your little one’s health is on the right track!
Why Choose Homer Sedighi, DMD for Oral Cancer Screenings for Kids?
- Two Experienced Pediatric Dentists On-Staff
- A Fun Office Designed Just for Kids
- Parents are Always Welcome in Rooms
Signs of Oral Cancer
It’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for any out-of-the-ordinary oral symptoms, because it can signify that your child has an underlying issue that may require treatment. Although the trained eye of a professional is the best way to learn whether your little one’s symptoms are concerning, be on the lookout for some of these common signs of oral cancer:
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing food
- Sores on the lip or inside the mouth that don’t go away within two weeks
- Numbness of the tongue
- White and red patches on the inside of the mouth
- Lumps or bumps in the neck or throat areas, or in the mouth
What to Expect During Your Child’s Oral Cancer Screening
The good news is that oral cancer screenings hardly add any extra time to visits, meaning your little one won’t need to sit in the treatment chair for any longer than absolutely necessary! One of our skilled pediatric dentists will complete a quick visual examination of the inside of your child’s mouth, being sure to pay close attention to their gums, tongue, and the roof and floor of the mouth. We may also ask them to say “Ah!” so we can get a clearer view of the back of their mouth.
The last part of the screening will consist of a quick examination based on feeling. We’ll gently palpate your child’s neck and jaw area to see if we can feel any lumps or bumps, and that’s it! The process altogether takes just a couple of minutes and is 100 percent pain-free.
How Often Should My Child Receive Oral Cancer Screenings?
Our team recommends that children receive regular oral cancer screenings in Chesterfield at each of their routine checkups with our team. Not only is this a great way to bundle their care to avoid needing to visit our office for separate visits, but it also allows trained professionals to examine your little one’s mouth with a detailed eye, ensuring that no stone goes left unturned.