4 Important Things a Dentist Will Check During a Dental Exam
Regular dental exams are one of the best ways you can care for your teeth. Though a dental exam might not seem quite as hands-on as a dental cleaning, it’s an essential part of taking care of your oral health. A dental exam is just as important to your oral health as a dental cleaning so it’s important not to delay this. Here are four reasons why you need a dentist to check your teeth regularly.
1- Identify Cavities and Tooth Decay
The first and most straightforward thing your dentist will do is look for cavities. They’ll check X-rays and do a visual examination of your teeth to see if there are any spots that need treating. In addition to carefully looking at each tooth with the assistance of bright lights and mirrors, your dentist may also use a tool to gently press on your teeth. This helps them identify any soft spots that could be a sign of concern. If your enamel is weak but not infected yet, your dentist might prescribe preventative measures like a fluoride treatment. If they see signs of actual infection and tooth decay, they’ll suggest treatments like fillings or root canals.
2- Diagnose Gum Problems
Your dentist will also use a visual examination to assess your gum health. They’ll let you know if they see any issues like inflammation or redness that might indicate some gingivitis. If you have more severe gum disease, your dentist will check for things like receding gums. They’ll make a note of how much gum damage you have and help you find appropriate methods of preventing further gum erosion. For some patients, dentists may do a periodontal exam that involves measuring gum pocket depth to see whether there are any areas with excessive gum loosening.
3- Check for Jaw and Alignment Issues
Your dentist does more than just look at your teeth during an exam. They assess overall oral health and consider how well your entire jaw region is working. Your dentist may ask you to do things like open and close your mouth while they feel the hinge of your jaw. This can help them to identify joint issues like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). They’ll take a close look at what happens as you open, close, and bite down to see whether everything is properly aligned. In some cases, your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist for further care. Your dentist might also ask about your habits and let you know if they see signs of excessive jaw clenching or bruxism.
4- Discover Oral Cancer Signs
Dental screenings are your first line of defense against oral cancer. While your dentist is examining you, they’ll look at the soft tissues of your mouth. Your dentist is trained to spot any irregularities, like discoloration or lumps, that are an early warning sign of cancer. Though dentists usually do not treat cancer themselves, they’ll work with you to help you get the problem area tested and find treatment options. In the unlikely event that you do have cancer, your dental exam can help you get care before it becomes a major issue.
