You may think of your dentist purely as a “tooth doctor,” but they are trained in and concerned about your total oral health. As a result, when you come in for your routine dental checkup and cleaning, they do so much more than just focus on your teeth. In fact, they are likely doing things you don’t realize!
Keep reading to learn just a few examples of what the dentist does during your checkup appointment and why these things matter.
Examining Your Gums
Teeth receive most of the attention, but gums are just as important to a healthy smile. While you’re in the chair, your dentist inspects your gums to make sure they are pink, firm, and strong. If they find that your gums bleed easily and are red and swollen, you are exhibiting signs of gum disease. At first, this may seem like a small issue, but numerous studies have connected this inflammatory disease to higher risk for heart disease, Alzheimer’s, kidney disease, diabetes, and more.
Screening for Oral Cancer
Did you know that one person dies every hour of oral cancer in the United States every day? Although just the sixth most common form of cancer, this type tends to be one of the more deadly varieties because it is often identified too late.
At every dental checkup, your dentist looks at your soft tissues, including your cheeks, tongue, lips, and throat for any abnormal tissue that could merit further testing. As a result, those who have oral cancer and attend their checkups regularly are more likely to catch the disease early and have much higher chances of survival.
Looking at Your Bite
While your dentist does examine your teeth individually, this professional also looks at your teeth in the context of your bite. The way your upper and lower teeth fit together can determine how well you bite and chew, but if they don’t match up properly, certain teeth can wear down much faster, increasing the odds of future fractures and damage.
In addition, bite issues can lead to jaw pain or developing a condition called TMJ disorder. Checking for this problem, your dentist can relieve discomfort and improve your quality of life.
Checking Your Salivary Glands
Saliva production is essential for keeping the mouth properly hydrated and neutralizing damaging acids. Your dentist may check your glands to see if they are functioning well. If not, the dentist can advise you on products that can help preserve your teeth and gums from oral bacteria.
When you consider just how much your dentist does during your routine visit, this semi-annual appointment becomes all the more important! You can also feel more confident when you leave that you truly have a healthy smile from top to bottom.
About the Author
Although still early in his career, Dr. Stephen Boyles has achieved a high honor: Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. This accomplishment requires hundreds of hours of advanced training and clinical experience as well as proficiency in examinations. Because of his proven expertise, you can rest assured that your smile is in capable hands. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Boyles at Boyles General Dentistry in Midland, contact the office online or call 432-685-7011.