When you visit a general dentist for a dental checkup, it is not only about your teeth. Continue reading to know what happens during a checkup. Your oral health is crucial to your overall health. What happens in the mouth might reveal many things about the whole body.
The general dentist will typically proceed to do an oral exam after a hygienist has cleaned the patient’s teeth during the dental appointment. To examine for cavities and tooth damage, the dentist utilizes a special mirror and a dental probe. Gum disease, oral cancer, issues with the bite or jaw, and any symptoms of inflammation or bleeding will all be checked by the dentist.
A regular dental examination consists of the following:
The dental exam should include a check for oral cancer. Oral cancer is a severe condition. When discovered early, however, the condition is typically treatable. The dentist will examine the lips, gums, and tongue, and the insides of the cheeks and roof of the mouth for indications of oral cancer. A red or white area, pain, or a lump are potential signs of oral cancer.
Using a mirror, the dentist will also check regions such as the back of the tongue. To simplify the process of viewing and feeling lumps, the dentist may use a gauze pad to shift the tongue to the side. The patient should report any oral pain, difficulty chewing or swallowing, bite changes, or oral bleeding to the dentist.
Every dental exam will include a check for early stages of gum disease, known as gingivitis. This dental health issue might be the result of not flossing or brushing properly. It can, however, be a symptom of an inflammatory illness, such as diabetes. If left untreated, gum disease can cause bone loss and, eventually, tooth loss.
The dentist will examine the patient’s gums for signs of gum disease, such as redness or swelling. In addition, they may use a tiny instrument between teeth and gums to see if the gums peel away from the teeth or bleed easily. Bad breath, a foul taste, or loose teeth are all potential signs of gum disease.
A part of the dental examination occurs outside the mouth. For example, a lump behind the jaw might suggest a swollen or clogged salivary gland. Swollen lymph nodes beneath the jaw and around the neck can be a symptom of infection or malignancy. The dentist will check the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which connect the lower jaw to the skull. The dentist may ask patients to open and close their mouth while placing their fingers on the joints. TMJ disease can cause clicking, popping, or discomfort. TMJ disorder can be the result of an incorrect bite, teeth grinding, or arthritis.
Patients of all ages can benefit from comprehensive dental checkups. The dentist will discuss any concerns you may have, answer questions, and put together a treatment plan for a healthy smile during your appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesbycanada.com or call Smiles by Dr. Canada at (281) 826-5180 for an appointment in our Houston office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Houston, TX.
Asking a dentist about exams that help detect oral cancer is something every dental patient should do, as the more knowledge one has, the more likely they will be to make regular appointments to undergo an oral cancer examination. Dental patients are encouraged to ask a dentist any question they have, as this is ideal…
Has it been a while since you had a general dentist checkup? You know how critical it is to maintain good health. Taking good care of your mouth, teeth and gums is part of your overall wellness. It may be easy to lose track of time, but you cannot forget to keep up on your…
Toothaches often cause discomfort, as well as difficulty with eating and speaking, however, with the help of a general dentist, the toothache can be remedied. General dentists offer routine dental care to patients of all ages, which makes them experts at dealing with things, such as toothaches. Choosing to see a general dentist is not only…
A dental checkup involves checking your gums and teeth to look for potential issues. Knowing what procedures to expect can help make the process easier for you. You might want to get an exam every six months. But if you have specific issues, you might need a more detailed exam. Keep reading to learn what…
You may have to send your dentures to a laboratory during a denture repair depending on the type and severity of the concern that is being addressed. This review discusses when a denture repair requires a laboratory’s assistance in ensuring the quality of the dentures at the completion of the denture repair.A minor denture repair…
A general dentist can use a dental implant to replace a missing tooth. It can also be a solution to a failing tooth. This dental restoration is the most secure form of dental replacement. If you want to know more about replacing a lost tooth with a single dental implant, here are the details.One missing…