Oral Cancer Screenings – Wylie, TX

Safeguarding Children’s Overall Health with Early Detection

Female patient undergoing oral cancer screening in Wylie

Children are not considered the primary demographic for oral cancer; however, this doesn’t mean that symptoms cannot occur. At Wylie Children’s Dentistry, Dr. Pearson and our team are committed to providing early detection so that any potentially problematic areas can be treated right away. As a skilled professional who is trained to identify the signs of oral cancer, you can trust that Dr. Pearson is offering oral cancer screenings in Wylie because he cares deeply about your child’s overall health and future. Learn more about this type of preventive care by calling our office.

Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Dentist discussing symptoms with male teenager during appointment

If you’re like most parents, the last thought on your mind is your child developing oral cancer, so knowing the various signs and symptoms may not be something you know off the top of your head. Fortunately, our dental team is here to provide a thorough list for you to review:

A bump that forms on your child’s gums, tongue, or mouth
Your child experiences difficulty swallowing or chewing
Your child suffers from a persistent sore throat or cough
Some oral sores or lesions are not healing but instead become more painful
Red or discolored patches of soft oral tissue

What Can My Child Expect From an Oral Cancer Screening?

Dentist checking patient’s facial symmetry during appointment

The process of performing an oral cancer screening will not take much time. It is completely painless – your child is unlikely to know it’s even occurring. Dr. Pearson will visually inspect your child’s mouth during a regular dental checkup. He will also check their jaw and neck to determine if there are any lumps or abnormal growths.

It only takes about one minute to complete the screening, but it is highly effective in making sure your child’s oral and overall health are in the best possible shape.

What Will My Child’s Dentist Look For During a Screening?

Dentist and female teenager smiling after appointment

Dr. Pearson will be looking for various signs when performing an oral cancer screening, including:

Bumps or swollen areas inside the mouth or along the jaw or neck
Red or white patches of discolored tissue
Facial asymmetry
Thick areas of tissue that appear calloused
Oral sores or ulcers that are not healing properly

You can also expect him to ask about your child’s overall health history and discuss whether any potential risk factors might be present, such as:

HPV (human papillomavirus)
Sunburns
Weakened immune system
Alcohol or tobacco use