973-989-7970 
Oral Cancer Screenings
At Pediatric Dental Associates of Randolph, your child’s overall health is always our top priority. That’s why we include a quick but thorough oral cancer screening — because early detection saves lives.
What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screenings are painless exams we perform during your child’s regular dental visit. While oral cancer is rare in children, we believe in being proactive. Our experienced dentists and team are trained to spot even the earliest signs of anything unusual.
Where Do We Look?
During the screening, we examine all areas of the mouth and surrounding tissues, including:
- Lips and cheeks
- Tongue (top, bottom and sides)
- Floor and roof of the mouth
- Tonsil area and throat
- Jaw and neck for any unusual lumps or swelling
We use a combination of visual inspection and gentle palpation to check for anything out of the ordinary.
What Are We Looking For?
We keep an eye out for:
- Persistent sores or ulcers that don’t heal
- Red or white patches
- Unexplained lumps, swelling or thickened areas
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue
- Persistent hoarseness or sore throat
If we spot anything suspicious, we will discuss the next steps with you right away and guide you through the appropriate referrals.
Risk Factors to Know
Although oral cancer is uncommon in children, awareness of risk factors is important. These include:
- A weakened immune system
- Certain genetic conditions
- Exposure to secondhand smoke or tobacco
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
- A family history of oral or head and neck cancers
Prevention Starts Early
The best defense is prevention and early detection. Here’s how you can help protect your child:
- Schedule regular dental visits — every 6 months is best
- Encourage healthy habits like brushing, flossing and eating a nutritious diet
- Avoid tobacco exposure in the home
- Keep an eye on any changes in your child’s mouth and bring them to our attention
When to Contact Us
Between visits, if you notice any of the following, please don’t wait — give us a call:
- A sore or lesion that has not healed in two weeks
- Unexplained pain or discomfort in the mouth or jaw
- Swelling, lumps or patches that weren’t there before
- Any difficulty in speaking, chewing or swallowing
Even if it turns out to be nothing serious, we’re always happy to check — peace of mind is worth it!
We’re Here for Your Child’s Total Health
Our team at Pediatric Dental Associates of Randolph is committed to more than just clean teeth — we are here to support your child’s full oral and overall health. Routine oral cancer screenings in Randolph, New Jersey, are just one more way we provide exceptional, comprehensive care in a calm, kid-friendly environment. Give us a call today at 973-989-7970 to learn more and schedule an appointment with Dr. Mannella and our team!
Have questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re always here to help.