Oral Cancer Screenings
In Pompano Beach, FL
A routine dental checkup can feel like the last place you would expect a life-changing conversation to happen, yet that is exactly what an oral cancer screening can become. Many patients walk into their appointment thinking about a cleaning or a small cavity, unaware that their dentist is also checking their tongue, gums, cheeks, and throat for something far more serious. Oral cancer often develops quietly, without pain or obvious symptoms in its earliest stages, which means a screening performed during a regular visit can catch warning signs long before you would ever notice them on your own.
At Smile Design Holistic, we build oral cancer screenings into our approach to preventive dentistry because we believe whole-body health starts in the mouth. Our team in Pompano Beach takes a few extra minutes during your visit to look closely at the tissues most patients never think to worry about, and that small habit can make a meaningful difference in the outcome if something abnormal ever appears.
VISIT
100 SW 6th St,
Pompano Beach, Florida 33060
CALL
(954) 942-4836
CLOCK
MON 8 AM – 4 PM TUE 8 AM – 4 PM
WED 8 AM – 4 PM THU 8 AM – 4 PM
FRI 8 AM – 4 PM
MON 8 AM – 4 PM
TUE 8 AM – 4 PM
WED 8 AM – 4 PM
THU 8 AM – 4 PM
FRI 8 AM – 4 PM
What is an oral cancer screening?
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is a visual and physical examination of your mouth, throat, and neck. We check the surface of your tongue, the floor and roof of your mouth, your inner cheeks, your gums, and your lymph nodes for any lumps, discoloration, sores that have not healed, or unusual textures. The exam is generally comfortable and typically takes place as part of your regular dental exam and cleaning, so there is nothing extra you need to schedule or prepare for.
Tongue
Surface checked for changes.
Floor and Roof of Mouth
Checked for lumps or discoloration.
Inner Cheeks and Gums
Checked for sores that have not healed.
Neck and Lymph Nodes
Checked for lumps or unusual textures.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 45,703 new cases of oral cavity and pharynx cancer were reported in the United States in 2020, the latest year for which data were available, and these cancers are primarily diagnosed in older adults. Because earlier detection gives patients more treatment options, we treat this exam as a standard part of care rather than an optional add-on, and we take the time to explain what we are looking for so you understand the purpose behind it.
Why Early Detection Matters
Oral cancer can be difficult to catch on your own because early signs often look harmless, such as a small white or red patch, a sore that lingers longer than two weeks, or a slight change in how your teeth fit together. By the time symptoms become noticeable or painful, the disease may already be at a more advanced stage. Catching abnormalities early gives patients access to a wider range of treatment options and can improve the chances of successful treatment.
If we notice anything suspicious during your screening, we will discuss next steps with you directly, which may include a referral for further evaluation or a biopsy to determine what the tissue actually is. Many findings turn out to be harmless, but ruling that out with confidence is far better than waiting and wondering.
Who Should Get Screened for Oral Cancer?
Everyone benefits from a regular oral cancer screening, but certain factors can raise your risk and make consistent checkups even more important. You should be especially diligent about screenings if any of the following apply to you:
- You use tobacco products in any form, including smokeless tobacco
- You consume alcohol regularly or in large amounts
- You have been exposed to human papillomavirus (HPV)
- You have a history of prolonged sun exposure affecting your lips
- You are an older adult
Even without these risk factors, we recommend a screening at every routine visit because early detection carries so little downside and so much potential benefit. Dr. Andy Baghaei and our team approach every exam with a whole health mindset rather than treating your mouth as a set of isolated problems to fix.
Warning Signs Worth Watching Between Visits
While your dentist is trained to catch subtle changes you might overlook, you know your own mouth better than anyone, and paying attention between appointments matters just as much as the screening itself. The following are all reasons to call us rather than wait for your next scheduled visit:
A Sore That Has Not Healed
Still there after two weeks.
Persistent Numbness
In your lips or tongue.
Difficulty Swallowing or Chewing
Changes that linger.
A Lingering Hoarse Voice
Without an obvious cause.
We would always rather see you a little early for a concern that turns out to be nothing than have you wait months on something that needed attention sooner. If you ever notice a change that feels off, even something small, treat it as a reason to reach out rather than a reason to worry in silence.
Oral Cancer Screenings FAQs
These answers cover common questions about oral cancer screenings at our Pompano Beach office.
What is an oral cancer screening?
An oral cancer screening is a visual and physical examination of your mouth, throat, and neck. We check your tongue, the floor and roof of your mouth, your inner cheeks, your gums, and your lymph nodes for lumps, discoloration, sores that have not healed, or unusual textures.
Does an oral cancer screening hurt?
The exam is generally comfortable and typically takes place as part of your regular dental exam and cleaning, so there is nothing extra you need to schedule or prepare for.
How often should I be screened?
We recommend a screening at every routine visit, because early detection carries so little downside and so much potential benefit.
Who is at higher risk for oral cancer?
Tobacco use in any form and regular or heavy alcohol use are two of the most common risk factors, according to the CDC. HPV exposure, prolonged sun exposure affecting the lips, and older age can also raise risk.
What happens if you find something suspicious?
We will discuss next steps with you directly, which may include a referral for further evaluation or a biopsy. Many findings turn out to be harmless, but ruling that out with confidence is far better than waiting and wondering.
Peace of Mind Starts at Smile Design Holistic
We know that walking into any cancer-related conversation can feel intimidating, which is why we keep our screenings calm, straightforward, and free of unnecessary alarm. You can learn more about our philosophy and the team behind it, and if you want a clearer picture of what to expect at your visit, our patient resources offer helpful guidance you can review at your own pace.
Protecting your health should never depend on catching a problem after it has already become obvious, and that is the entire point of building an oral cancer screening into your regular dental care. Our Pompano Beach team is here to make that process feel simple, unhurried, and genuinely reassuring, whether this is your first screening or your tenth, and we invite you to reach out through our contact page so we can find a time that works for you.