Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer can afflict anyone and while it's very rare for a child to have oral cancer, it is important to check during routine exams. If your child is a teen and uses tobacco, it is very important to have regular oral cancer screenings. Tobacco users put themselves at significantly higher risk than non-users. Chewing tobacco contains up to 3000 different chemicals, including the same compounds used in pesticides and embalming fluid. Cellular changes below the surface aren't always detectable until they've advanced to a critical stage.

Early detection and treatment of oral cancer significantly increases the chance of a positive outcome. If we suspect any unusual changes in your child or teen's mouth tissue, we may suggest a biopsy and microscopic analysis by a qualified lab.

Many other non-cancerous changes can occur in your child's mouth's tissue, from oral warts to autoimmune lesions. Dr. Seiler draws on his background in oral pathology to determine if any abnormalities should be removed or simply monitored.

We understand tobacco holds powerful addictive powers over many health-conscious people, especially teenagers. If your teen is determined to quit, we want to be a supportive partner in their efforts. Talk to your child's hygienist or Dr. Seiler about strategies and resources for helping them kick the habit.