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A sore that will not heal or a rough patch you keep running your tongue over might not seem urgent, but it could be the earliest sign your mouth is trying to tell you something. So, should you be getting an oral cancer screening? If you are seeing a dentist regularly, the answer may already be yes without you fully realizing it.
At Precision Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we build a comprehensive dental exam around more than just your teeth. Every new patient exam and every recall exam includes a thorough look at the soft tissues in your mouth, your lymph nodes, and any visual changes worth tracking, so screening becomes part of the visit rather than a separate appointment you have to schedule.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening
An oral cancer screening is a visual and physical check of your mouth, throat, tongue, cheeks, and neck. We look and feel for anything that seems out of place, such as a sore that has not healed, a lump, a discolored patch, or swelling in the lymph nodes. We also review your health history, since certain habits and conditions can raise your risk over time.
This screening happens at both extraoral and intraoral levels. Extraoral means we are checking your face, jaw, and neck from the outside. Intraoral means examining the inside of your mouth, including your gums, tongue, and the roof and floor of your mouth. We currently rely on this thorough visual and physical exam rather than additional diagnostic equipment, though we continue to evaluate new tools as they become available.
Why This Matters Even Without a Family History
Many patients assume oral cancer screening is only relevant if cancer runs in their family or if they use tobacco. In reality, changes in the mouth can show up in anyone, and catching something early gives you and your care team more options. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, thousands of new oral cavity and pharynx cancer cases are diagnosed in the United States each year, which is part of why a regular visual exam is built into routine dental care rather than treated as an add-on.
Dr. Kortbus has practiced dentistry for a decade and notes that serious findings from these screenings are rare. Even so, we do not skip the check, because the goal is to catch something early on the occasion it does appear, not to wait until a patient brings up a concern.
How Often Should You Be Screened
If you keep up with your regular dental exams and cleanings, you are already being screened on a consistent schedule. We build the screening into every recall visit, so there is no extra step for you to remember or book separately.
Between visits, it helps to pay attention to your own mouth. A few signs are worth mentioning to us at your next appointment or sooner if they do not resolve:
- Sores: Any spot in your mouth that has not healed within two weeks
- Lumps: New swelling or a thickened area on your cheek, gums, or tongue
- Patches: White or red discoloration that was not there before
- Numbness: Ongoing numbness or tenderness anywhere in your mouth or lips
- Trouble chewing: New difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving your jaw or tongue
None of these signs automatically mean something serious is happening, but they are worth bringing up so we can take a closer look together. Waiting to see if something goes away on its own is rarely the better choice compared to a quick check.
Schedule Your Next Exam With Precision Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Oral cancer screening does not have to feel like a separate, intimidating step. At Precision Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in New Smyrna Beach, we fold this check into every exam we already do, so staying on top of your oral health does not require extra time out of your day. With family-focused care and a team that treats every patient like they matter, keeping this part of your health on track is simple.
If it has been a while since your last visit, now is a good time to get back on the schedule. You can reach out through our contact form to book your next dental exam and take care of this alongside everything else we check.