Five things you didn’t know your dentist was doing at your checkup

Most people know that having regular dental checkups is important for the health of your teeth but there are also several things dentists are checking for to make sure you have optimal oral and overall health. During routine exams dentists can find problems early on to prevent them from becoming serious issues. 

Here are five things your dentist will examine during your checkup:

1. Inspecting Your Teeth

During your exam the dentist will go over all areas of your teeth. They are checking to see if there are any changes since your last exam and will look for cavities, abnormalities – including cracks, chips, wear, staining of the teeth, and mobile or loose teeth. The exam will also include a check for plaque and tartar on your teeth.

2. Examining Your Tongue

Your dentist will take a closer look at your tongue to check the size, texture and look for irregularities like bumps and colour. They will examine both the top and underside of your tongue. The tongue’s surface can determine a lot about your dental and overall health.

3. Checking Your Gums

At your checkup your gums will also thoroughly be checked for any signs of bleeding or swelling, which are both signs of gum disease. They will also be checking for any large gum pockets.

4. Performing An Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer checks are quick and painless. Dentists look inside the mouth for early signs of mouth cancer as they check for lumps, mouth sores, abnormalities, red, white or grey areas and/or tenderness. They also examine outside of the mouth by checking the lips, head, neck, face and jaw area. Early diagnosis of oral cancers can lead to more effective treatment outcomes.

5. Examining Your Tonsils

Your dentist will take a close look at your tonsils and the back of your throat for any signs of infection, swelling or irritation. Tonsils are soft masses of tissue that are located on either side of the throat. Enlarged tonsils can lead to snoring and breathing troubles.

Call us today to book your next appointment. Call us at 705-749-0133. New patients are always welcome!

Sources:

https://www.colgate.com

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