A quick check that matters.
Oral cancer is far easier to treat when it is caught early, and the early signs are easy to miss on your own. Dr. Toups checks for them as part of your exam, and it takes only a few minutes.
Part of a thorough exam.
Oral cancer can show up as a sore that will not heal, a white or red patch, a lump, or a spot that just feels different. Most of these turn out to be harmless, but some are not, and the person most likely to notice a change early is the dentist who looks in your mouth regularly.
The screening is simple and painless. Dr. Toups looks over your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and the roof and floor of your mouth, then feels gently along your jaw and neck. If anything looks unusual, she will tell you plainly, keep a close eye on it, or refer you to a specialist for a closer look.
“Most of what we check turns out to be nothing. The point is catching the one thing that is something.”
Early detection is the whole reason to look.
How it works, step by step.
Look
A careful visual check of your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and the roof and floor of your mouth.
Feel
A gentle check along your jaw and neck for any lumps or swelling.
Follow up
If something looks unusual, we recheck it at a set time or refer you for a closer look, and explain why.
Why it matters.
- Painless, and takes just a few minutes
- Catches changes while they are small
- Done by a dentist who sees your mouth regularly
- Clear next steps if anything needs a closer look
Good to know.
Who should be screened?
Does it hurt?
What should I watch for between visits?
Peace of mind
takes a few minutes.
Dr. Toups is accepting new patients in Trussville. Book online or call to get started.