5 Things Your Dentist Does During Your Routine Checkup

The importance of routine dental checkups goes much further than checking for cavities. Your dentist will thoroughly polish your teeth and remove stubborn plaque and tartar, but they’ll also perform various other tasks you may not know about. What else are they doing when checking your pearly whites? Read on to learn five things your dentist does during your appointment!

#1: Assess Your Bite

Other than the condition of your teeth, your bite plays a significant role in your oral health. If you have misalignment issues, then you may experience problems with a crooked or unbalanced smile, such as difficulties chewing your food. If your teeth don’t come together properly, they won’t break meals down properly and those sustaining more pressure may wear down prematurely.

#2: Examine Your Salivary Glands

Your saliva production is crucial for naturally washing away bacteria from your mouth. Not only does it help clean off debris and food particles, but it can also prevent bigger problems like bad breath and cavities. To avoid these complications, your dentist will verify that your salivary glands are in good shape.

#3: Check Your Gum Tissue

While your pearly whites are often the primary focus of your smile, your gums are also essential to your oral health. About 50% of Americans are experiencing some form of periodontal disease, an illness that can lead to tooth loss if left unchecked. Your dentist will assess your gum line for any indications of infection and provide the necessary treatment to stop any developing issues from worsening.

#4: Evaluate Your Temporomandibular Joint

This joint is where your skull and jawbone connect. Should your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) become inflamed or compromised in any way, then you could be at risk of jaw pain, clicking sounds when chewing, and other uncomfortable complications. While assessing your teeth and gums, your dentist will monitor your jawbone condition and inform you of any unusual sensations.

#5: Screen for Oral Cancer

Many signs of oral cancer are apparent, including a sore in the mouth that won’t go away. However, others aren’t as obvious and require a trained eye to catch, such as small red and white patches underneath your tongue or on the bottom of your mouth. For this reason, your dentist will screen your mouth for indications of oral cancer, which plays a significant role in the early detection of the disease.

The next time you visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning, you can be more aware of what they’re checking to ensure your smile is healthy and safe. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if you’re overdue, and they’ll be more than happy to see you!

About the Author

Dr. J. Peter St. Clair earned his dental doctorate from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He regularly seeks advanced training to refine his skills and is a strong advocate for routine oral hygiene maintenance and guidance. He provides a wide variety of high-quality and essential services, including dental checkups and cleanings. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call him at 978-948-2030.