Cavities and gum disease are the two most common threats to your oral health, so when you visit your dentist for biannual checkups, you obviously expect that such issues will be the focus of the examination. But did you know that dental checkups are actually much more extensive? Yes, while your dentist is looking at your mouth, they are taking note of multiple factors that relate to your oral and overall health. Would you like to learn more about their process? Continue reading to find out.
Checking for Signs of Oral Cancer
Sadly, oral cancer often goes undetected until it is fairly advanced. Regular dental examinations can help you catch it early on! Your dentist or a member of their team searches your mouth and nearby tissues for things like unusual swelling, discolored patches of tissue, and more. If they notice any cause for concern, they can refer you for additional testing.
Smelling Your Breath
Most of the time, your breath should have a neutral smell. Persistently bad breath could indicate gum disease, while a fruity or sweet scent might indicate a serious diabetic complication. Different breath smells might also be an indicator of kidney disease, liver problems, or acid reflux.
Checking Each Tooth
Beyond looking for cavities, your dentist examines each tooth for other signs that might say something important about your oral and overall health. For example, enamel erosion might indicate an ongoing struggle with nighttime GERD. It might also indicate that you grind and clench your teeth at night, which may be related to a bite issue or severe life stress. In some cases, unhealthy or thin enamel could alert your dentist to an eating disorder.
Evaluating Your Bite
Your bite, which is also known as occlusion, refers to the way your upper and lower teeth work together. When it is not harmonious, it can place stress on your jaw joints, your facial muscles, and more. Your bite can also change over time, so it requires periodic evaluation. If your dentist identifies bite issues, they might suggest orthodontia or other approaches to correct it.
Checking Your Tongue, Tonsils, and Salivary Glands
Your tongue, tonsils, and salivary glands can all give valuable information about the state of your health. Your dentist searches for signs of irritation, infection, and more so they can provide guidance on how you can address existing issues and enjoy better oral function and systemic wellness.
Your dentist is not just a “tooth doctor.” They are a medical professional who does a lot during your checkups. The goal is to help your smile and your body thrive!
Meet the Practice
At Family Dental Practice of Newington, our highly skilled team is proud to provide top-quality oral care for our community. We strongly encourage regular preventive care, and we strive to be as thorough as possible during checkups. To learn more about us or to request an appointment, get in touch with our team at 860-856-6201.