Early checks, real peace of mind

There is nothing alarming about how we approach a screening. We understand the words can sound worrying, so we keep everything calm, gentle and clearly explained. During the check, we simply look at and softly feel the tissues of your mouth, lips, tongue and neck, watching for anything that looks a little different. It takes only a few minutes and there is no discomfort involved at all.

The reason we do this so routinely is straightforward: when changes are spotted early, they are far easier to deal with. Many people never look closely at the inside of their own mouth, and some changes are painless in their earliest stages. By keeping a careful eye out at each visit, we give you and your family an extra layer of protection without any extra effort on your part.

What we gently look for

• Patches of unusual colour or texture
• Sores or ulcers that have not healed
• Lumps or thickened areas in the soft tissue
• Changes around the tongue, lips and cheeks
• Anything that feels different from your normal

Especially valuable as we age

Risk gently rises with age, which is why we pay particular attention for our older neighbours. If you have spent years enjoying the sun, or you have smoked at any point in life, a regular screening is an easy, sensible habit to build into your check-ups. It is the kind of quiet, watchful care a family clinic is built for, looking out for the parents and grandparents we have known for years.

What happens if we notice something

Most screenings find nothing of concern, and we are always glad to tell you so. If we do spot something we want to keep an eye on, there is no need to panic. Many changes are completely harmless. We will explain clearly what we have seen, talk through the options with you in plain language, and arrange any follow-up gently and promptly so you are never left wondering.

Looking after your mouth means looking after your whole self, and a screening is a simple, caring way to do that. If it has been a while since your last check, or you have noticed something you would like a friendly opinion on, please do not put it off. Get in touch and we will include a thorough, gentle screening at your next visit.