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Pediatric Oral Cancer Screenings
Although oral cancer is rare in children, regular screenings are an important part of preventive dental care. Early detection of unusual changes in the mouth can help identify potential concerns before they become more serious.
Why Does My Child Need an Oral Cancer Screening?
Pediatric oral cancer screenings are a preventive step that allows dentists to check for unusual changes in your child’s mouth, including the lips, gums, tongue, and other oral tissues. While oral cancer is uncommon in children, routine screenings during dental visits help monitor your child’s oral health and identify potential concerns early. With regular oral cancer screenings from a pediatric dentist, you can stay proactive about your child’s smile and support their long-term dental health.
Did You Know?
Routine dental visits do more than check for cavities. During regular exams, pediatric dentists also look for unusual changes in the lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, and other areas of the mouth to help maintain your child’s overall oral health.
Meet Our Pediatric Dentists
Pediatric Dentist, Board-Certified & Mother
Get To Know Dr. Breanna Barnes
Dr. Breanna Barnes’s journey into dentistry is one of rediscovery and passion, deeply rooted in her childhood in Olathe, Kansas. Growing up as the daughter of a pediatric dentist, she spent summers immersed in the day-to-day operations of her father’s practice. While initially envisioning a future in medical science or interior design, it wasn’t until college that she realized how dentistry uniquely combines her love of science, creativity, and helping others.
After graduating with honors from Southern Methodist University, Dr. Barnes went on to earn her dental and public health degrees at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. Her dedication to specialized pediatric care led her to complete a residency at the University of Tennessee, where she also earned a Master of Dental Science. As a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Barnes has advanced training in infant frenectomies, laser dentistry, and esthetic restorations like zirconia crowns, enabling her to provide gentle, comprehensive care tailored to each child’s needs.
Driven by a vision to provide compassionate, quality-focused care, Dr. Barnes opened Songbird Pediatric Dentistry to create a welcoming, patient-first practice. Recognizing a need in Fairview, she established the area’s first pediatric dental office, adopting a mom-run, non-corporate approach to dental care. Shortly after, she acquired Up Pediatric Dentistry, where she continues to make exceptional pediatric dental care available to her community. At both of her practices, her goal is to create an environment where every family feels genuinely valued and supported.
Dr. Barnes is particularly passionate about serving children with special needs, including those on the autism spectrum, and infants experiencing nursing challenges due to lip or tongue ties. Her holistic philosophy extends beyond treating dental concerns to addressing underlying causes and preventing future issues. Her mission is to make every child’s dental visit a positive, fun, and supportive experience.
Outside of the office, Dr. Barnes is a wife and proud mother of two toddlers. She enjoys baking gluten-free desserts, exploring antique shops, staying active, and spending time in nature. Both her professional expertise and personal experiences as a parent influence her warm, empathetic approach to pediatric dentistry.
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist & Mother
Get To Know Dr. Sara Ahmed
Dr. Sara Ahmed was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is proud to now call Nashville home after relocating from Boston, Massachusetts. Before moving to Nashville, she served as a full-time faculty member in the Department of Dentistry at Boston Children’s Hospital and as an Instructor in Developmental Biology at Harvard School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Ahmed completed her pediatric dental residency at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where she graduated with honors in community service, and received her Bachelor of Science degree with high distinction from the University of Michigan.
As a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Ahmed has extensive experience caring for children with complex medical and special healthcare needs. She is passionate about providing compassionate, individualized care and has had the opportunity to lecture on pediatric dental topics both locally and nationally. She is also fluent in Arabic and Urdu.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Ahmed loves cooking, practicing yoga, and exploring everything Nashville has to offer. She is always excited to discover a new restaurant or coffee shop and enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. Most of all, she loves being a mom and is grateful to be putting down roots and building a life with her family in Nashville.
We Can’t Wait to Meet You!
Give your child a strong foundation for lifelong oral health with comprehensive pediatric dental care. Our team provides gentle preventive screenings and personalized care in a comfortable environment designed for kids.
Care Options to Protect Your Child’s Smile
Complete Oral Health Monitoring
Gentle Preventive Dental Care
Why Choose Up Pediatric Dentistry for Oral Cancer Screenings?
Comprehensive Pediatric Exams
Our team provides complete dental evaluations designed specifically for children’s developing smiles.
Child-Friendly Approach
We create a comfortable environment where children feel relaxed during every part of their dental visit.
Personalized Parent Guidance
We explain findings clearly and help parents understand their child’s dental health needs.
Benefits of Pediatric Oral Cancer Screenings
Early Detection of Oral Changes
Regular screenings allow our team to identify unusual spots, sores, or changes in the mouth during routine dental visits.
Peace of Mind for Parents
Knowing your child receives a complete oral examination helps parents feel confident about their child’s ongoing dental health.
Quick & Comfortable Screening
Oral cancer screenings are simple, non-invasive evaluations completed comfortably during your child’s dental checkup.
Part of Preventive Dental Care
Screenings are included as part of comprehensive pediatric dental visits focused on maintaining healthy smiles.
Monitors Your Child’s Oral Health
Routine evaluations help our team track changes in your child’s mouth as they grow and develop.
Supports Lifelong Healthy Habits
Regular dental visits help children become comfortable with preventive care and build positive oral health routines.
Care Options to Protect Your Child’s Smile
Complete Oral Health Monitoring
Gentle Preventive Dental Care
We Can’t Wait to Meet You!
Give your child a strong foundation for lifelong oral health with comprehensive pediatric dental care. Our team provides gentle preventive screenings and personalized care in a comfortable environment designed for kids.
What To Expect During a Pediatric Oral Cancer Screening
Complete Oral Examination
Our team examines your child’s mouth, including the lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, and other oral tissues, to check for any unusual changes.
Gentle Screening Evaluation
We carefully look for signs such as unusual spots, swelling, sores, or areas that may need additional attention.
Discuss Findings
If anything unusual is noticed, we explain our findings clearly and discuss the next recommended steps with parents.
Reviews From Nashville Families
Why Parents Trust Up Pediatric Dentistry
Frequently Asked Questions
Convenient Pediatric Oral Cancer Screenings Near You
Regular dental visits are an important part of protecting your child’s oral health. At UP Kids Dentist, we provide gentle pediatric oral cancer screenings in a comfortable, child-friendly environment where children feel safe and parents feel confident about their care.
Our team focuses on making every visit simple and reassuring by providing thorough evaluations and clear guidance based on your child’s needs. Through routine preventive care, we help monitor your child’s smile and support healthy dental development.
