Dental checkups and cleanings are preventive services designed to detect problems early on and minimize the potential need for restorative care in the future. Although dentists check for cavities and gum disease during these visits, there are other important steps they take to ensure your overall health and well-being. Keep reading to discover three areas your dentist is checking during a dental exam.
Your Dentist is Checking for Oral Cancer
The Oral Cancer Foundation reports that more than 58,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year; only a little more than half will be alive in five years. This startling statistic is why dentists check for oral cancer during regular dental checkups.
Their expertise allows them to look for abnormalities that may exist in or around the mouth. From oral lesions and discoloration to painful lumps and difficulty swallowing, these and many other symptoms can be detected early on by dentists, increasing your chances of successful treatment should they be found.
Your Dentist is Checking Your Tongue
The tongue is a strong muscle inside your mouth that offers many clues about your oral health. During a checkup, your dentist will check for any white spots, discoloration, sores, or cuts that may exist. These can indicate a more serious problem that requires timely treatment.
If white spots are detected, it may indicate something as serious as cancer. It can also point to small, inflamed bumps that trap food and bacteria and require more thorough brushing and rinsing with salt water.
If discoloration is found, the problem might be that you have a vitamin deficiency (a red tongue as opposed to a pink one). A dark, hairy tongue can mean the dead skin cells located on the tongue are not falling off as they should, which can be the result of poor oral hygiene, certain medications, or smoking.
Sores and cuts can be indicators of canker sores that develop as a result of food sensitivity, emotional stress, and more, or they can be a sign of oral cancer.
Your Dentist is Checking Your Bite
Dentists want to make sure that the teeth come together correctly and comfortably, which is why they will check your bite during your exam. While it’s normal for changes to occur over time, signs of malocclusion can mean a serious problem.
Jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder (TMD) and enamel erosion are two of the most common issues that can form as a result of a poor bite.
Checking for cavities and gum disease is essential if proper oral health is to be obtained; however, your dentist will go beyond the basics to ensure all aspects of your mouth and facial features are intact and healthy. Doing so will give you the best chance to embrace a better quality of life.
About the Practice
At Elmbrook Family Dental, our dentists do not focus solely on a person’s teeth and gums during a preventive checkup and cleaning visit. Other components of the mouth can indicate problems that might otherwise be overlooked. This is why we take a comprehensive approach and evaluate all orofacial features, including the tongue, bite, salivary glands, and more. If you are ready to let us take better care of your oral and overall health, visit our website or call (414) 775-2535.