Maintaining good oral health and hygiene requires regular biannual dental visits, which are crucial for identifying and preventing oral health problems before they worsen, leading to potential savings in time, money, and discomfort. However, during these appointments, your dentist undertakes several tasks that may be unfamiliar to you. keep reading to learn about nine things your dentist does during these appointments that you may not know about.
#1: Tongue Examination
During dental checkups, examining your tongue is crucial for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist closely assesses your tongue for potential issues such as infections, vitamin deficiencies, or abnormalities in size and texture that can impact your oral well-being.
#2: Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer is a potentially life-threatening disease affecting the mouth. It may impact the lips, tongue, and gums and is diligently examined during routine dental checkups. Your dentist conducts a comprehensive inspection of your neck, head, lips, and mouth, aiming to detect any early signs of the condition.
#3: Salivary Gland Evaluation
Saliva is essential for maintaining good oral health as it prevents plaque and bacteria buildup. If your salivary glands are not functioning properly, it can lead to problems like bad breath, cavities, and other oral health issues. During your dental checkup, your dentist carefully examines your mouth to detect any signs of abnormal dryness. They can provide a personalized treatment plan to address this concern.
#4: Teeth Inspection
During a dental checkup, your dentist meticulously examines your teeth using specialized tools such as a dental mirror and explorer. This comprehensive inspection allows them to identify any potential issues or abnormalities. Furthermore, they assess the condition of your tooth enamel to ensure the absence of dental problems.
#5: Tonsil Examination
During a tonsil examination, your dentist closely evaluates your throat for signs of inflammation or infection, as swollen or inflamed tonsils can be indicative of tonsillitis. This condition can be triggered by various health conditions, such as measles.
#6: Bite Inspection
Proper teeth alignment is essential for a healthy bite, preventing premature tooth wear, TMJ issues, and spinal misalignment. Orthodontic treatment may be recommended by your dental professional to address bite issues, improving your oral health and overall well-being.
#7: Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Assessment
During your dental checkup, your dentist examines your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which controls jaw movement. This assessment is important as TMJ issues can cause pain, discomfort, joint locking, and difficulty chewing. Additionally, this examination helps detect and prevent conditions like arthritis, jaw injuries, bruxism, and connective tissue diseases.
#8: Oral Hygiene Analysis
During your checkup, your oral health professional evaluates your oral hygiene routine and conducts a comprehensive mouth examination. They also provide valuable advice on improving your brushing and flossing techniques for enhanced oral care.
#9: Gum Examination
During your checkup, your dentist examines your gums for signs of inflammation, bleeding, and recession. These symptoms may indicate gum disease, requiring prompt treatment to avoid complications.
About the Practice
Bonds Ranch Family Dentistry is a Fort Worth-based dental practice that provides a wide range of high-quality services, including valuable guidance on at-home oral care, to patients in the DFW area. With their top-notch services and a skilled team of dentists, they are dedicated to helping patients achieve beautiful and healthy smiles. To schedule an appointment with Bonds Ranch Family Dentistry or if you want to learn more about the treatments they offer, visit their website or call (817) 242-5564.