Attending biannual dental visits is an important aspect of maintaining good oral health and hygiene. Regular dental visits can help identify and prevent oral health problems before they become more serious, saving you time, money, and discomfort in the long run. During these visits, your dentist is doing a lot more than you may think. continue reading to learn about nine things they do during these appointments that you may not be aware of.
#1: Tongue Examination
Your tongue is an essential component of good oral health, and it is examined closely during dental checkups to determine if there are any problems such as infections, vitamin deficiencies, or other issues affecting its size and texture.
#2: Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that can affect any part of the mouth, including the tongue, lips, and gums. During routine dental checkups, your dentist will examine your lips, neck, head, and mouth for any signs of oral cancer, as early detection is key to successful treatment.
#3: Salivary Gland Evaluation
Saliva plays a critical role in preventing plaque buildup and washing away bacteria. If your salivary glands aren’t working correctly, it can lead to bad breath, cavities, and other oral health problems. Your dentist will examine your mouth for any signs of abnormal dryness and may recommend a treatment plan to help keep your mouth healthy.
#4: Teeth Inspection
During a dental checkup, your dentist will meticulously inspect your teeth using specialized tools like a dental mirror and explorer to identify any possible issues. They’ll also evaluate the condition of your tooth enamel to ensure that you don’t have any cavities or other dental problems.
#5: Tonsil Examination
Swollen or inflamed tonsils can be a symptom of tonsillitis, which can be caused by various health conditions, such as measles.Your dentist will examine your throat for signs of inflammation or infection during a tonsil examination.
#6: Bite Inspection
Properly aligned teeth are essential for a healthy bite, as they prevent premature tooth wear, TMJ issues, and even spinal misalignment. If your bite has issues, your dental health professional may suggest orthodontic treatment to correct it and improve your oral health.
#7: Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Assessment
Your dentist will check your temporomandibular joint, which is responsible for jaw movement. Problems with it can cause pain, discomfort, joint locking, and difficulty chewing. This examination can help prevent various conditions such as arthritis, jaw injury, teeth grinding or clenching, and connective tissue diseases.
#8: Oral Hygiene Analysis
Your oral health professional will evaluate your oral hygiene routine and examine your mouth during your checkup. They will also provide tips on how to brush and floss your teeth more effectively to prevent future oral health problems if necessary.
#9: Gum Examination
Your dentist will evaluate your gum health during your checkup by looking for signs such as inflammation, bleeding, and recession. These symptoms can indicate the presence of gum disease, which requires prompt treatment to prevent further complications.
About the Practice
Claybrooke Dental of Gahanna, led by Dr. Brooke Buller and Dr. Clay Odenweller, provides top-notch dental care in a welcoming environment. Their friendly and attentive team aims to ensure that each patient feels at ease and confident in their treatment. In addition to offering general dental services, they can also offer advice on how to properly care for your beam at home and what food promote a healthy smile. To make an appointment with Claybrooke Dental of Gahanna or for more information, call their office at (614) 475-1874 or visit their website.