When you visit your dentist for a checkup, you might think it’s just about cleaning your teeth and checking for cavities. However, there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes. Dentists are trained to look for signs of many health issues during every visit—some of which go far beyond just your teeth! Read on to see what your dentist is doing that you may not know about at your dental checkups.
Assessing Your Bite and Jaw Alignment
Your dentist isn’t just looking at your teeth—they’re also checking how they fit together. Problems with your bite can cause issues like teeth grinding, jaw pain, and even headaches. By checking your bite, your dentist can help prevent these problems or recommend treatments if you’re already experiencing symptoms.
Monitoring Your Gum Health
Your gums are a vital part of your oral health, and dentists keep a close eye on them. During a checkup, they’ll assess your gums for signs of gum disease, like redness, swelling, or pockets around your teeth. It can progress without pain, so regular checkups are essential to catch it early. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and a higher risk of systemic health conditions like heart disease.
Checking Your Overall Health
Your mouth is like a window into your overall health, so dentists are trained to look for signs of broader health problems. Symptoms like sores, inflammation, or unusual coloring can indicate health issues like diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or autoimmune conditions. By keeping an eye out for these signs, your dentist can catch potential health concerns early so you can get treatment.
Assessing Old Dental Work
If you’ve had fillings, crowns, or other dental work, your dentist checks their condition during each visit. Over time, restorations like crowns, fillings, and bridges can wear down, loosen, or even crack. By checking on the state of these treatments, your dentist ensures that they’re still protecting your teeth effectively. If not, they can schedule repairs quickly.
Checking for Oral Cancer
One of the most important things your dentist does during a checkup is to screen for oral cancer. They examine your mouth, tongue, cheeks, and even your neck for any unusual lumps, discolorations, or sores. Early detection of oral cancer vastly improves treatment outcomes, so these screenings can be lifesaving!
These “behind-the-scenes” duties show why regular dental checkups are more essential than you may realize. Each checkup is an opportunity to catch issues early, prevent more serious problems, and protect your health. So, if it’s been a while, call your dentist today and schedule your appointment to recover your smile.
About the Practice
At Elmbrook Family Dental of Wauwatosa, we go beyond cleanings to provide comprehensive dental care! Our experienced team uses the latest dental technology and techniques to diagnose and treat a variety of dental issues. We’re here to keep your smile healthy and help you understand all the ways dental health affects you! Call (414) 775-2535 to schedule a checkup and cleaning with us or visit our website to learn more about other treatments and services.