It’s time for another dental checkup, and you have an idea of what to expect. You’ll have your teeth cleaned and examined, talk to your dentist for a couple of minutes and say your goodbyes to everyone on the way out. It turns out that in that hour-long period, 10 things will happen that you may not be aware of. Continue reading to find out what they are and the importance of routine dental checkups.
#1 – Oral Cancer Screening
Every year, thousands of people succumb to oral cancer, a condition that is survivable if diagnosed and treated early. At each visit, your dentist will examine your lips, head, neck and mouth visually and by touch to make sure there are no signs of oral cancer.
#2 – Examining Your Tongue
Your tongue will be closely examined to ensure that it has a healthy size and texture. These two factors can determine much about your dental and overall health, such as the presence of infection, vitamin deficiency, fever or other issues.
#3 – Inspecting Your Teeth
Each of your 32 teeth will be examined during your checkup. Typically, your dentist will use a small mirror and dental explorer to probe for any possible issues. Special attention is also paid to your enamel (the outer layer) because it plays such an integral role in protecting the sensitive parts of your teeth.
#4 – Looking at Your Salivary Glands
When they are healthy and functioning properly, your salivary glands produce an adequate amount of saliva. This is important because the fluid coats your mouth and helps to wash away bacteria. A deficiency in this area can leave you susceptible to plaque accumulation, infection, bad breath and cavities.
#5 – Examining Your Tonsils
Your dentist will carefully examine your tonsils and throat for any signs of infection or swelling. Similar to the tongue, the tonsils can provide key insight into your oral and overall health.
#6 – Checking the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
The TMJ is responsible for moving your jaw in multiple directions, which is necessary for speaking, eating and leading a normal life. Your dentist will be sure to examine this area to make sure it’s functioning properly.
#7 – Inspecting Your Bite
Correctly aligned teeth provide more than just a nice smile. They also help to prevent premature tooth wear, TMJ problems and even spinal misalignment. If your dentist notices any imbalances, orthodontics may be recommended.
#8 – Examining Your Gums
During your checkup, your dentist will take a close look at your gums to identify any signs of bleeding, swelling, redness, puffiness or tenderness. He or she will also check to make sure there are no large gum pockets. Any of the above listed could be indicators of gum disease.
#9 – Teaching Proper Oral Hygiene Habits
Dental visits are educational. Your dentist or dental hygienist will gladly share tips on better ways to brush and floss your teeth so you can prevent future dental health problems.
#10 – Building a Dental Health Foundation
Because patients have varying levels of knowledge about their dental health and maintenance, dentists and their staff don’t take anything for granted. They take the time to make sure the basics are covered at each visit, and they offer encouragement. After all, achieving and maintaining excellent dental health is about more than just knowing what to do; it’s also about being inspired to follow through.
If you’re needing a little recharge in the dental health department, it’s always worth your while to pay your local dentist a visit for a checkup!
About the Author
Dr. Spiro Saati earned his dental degree from the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. An active member of several professional organizations, including the Massachusetts Dental Society and the American Academy of Periodontology, he has remained committed to providing his patients with the absolute best in preventive and restorative care for decades. Dr. Saati boosts dental health at his private practice, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.