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Most of us are likely to visit the dentist for a checkup at least once a year. Have you ever considered what goes on behind the scenes beyond the typical cleaning and cavity filling? Read on to learn more about 10 things you didn’t know your dentist will likely do during a checkup.

Oral Cancer Screening

Your dentist is trained to recognise the early signs of oral cancer, a disease that can be fatal if not detected early. During your checkup, your dentist will look for suspicious lesions or abnormalities on your lips, tongue, throat, and the inside of your cheeks.

Checking for Gum Disease

Gum disease can progress silently and lead to serious oral health problems. Your dentist will look at your gums for signs of inflammation, bleeding, or pockets between your teeth and gums. Early gum disease detection is critical for effective treatment.

Assessing Your Bite

Assessing your bite is a crucial aspect of your dental checkup that involves a thorough examination of how your upper and lower teeth come together when you close your mouth. This evaluation goes beyond just checking for simple issues like overbites, underbites, or crossbites; it’s about ensuring that your teeth and jaws are aligned.

Proper bite alignment is essential for these several reasons:

• Misaligned bites can place uneven pressure on your jaw joints. Over time, this can lead to pain, headaches, and difficulty in opening and closing your mouth comfortably.
• A well-aligned bite ensures that your teeth meet properly when you chew. This helps distribute the force evenly, reducing the risk of tooth damage and ensuring efficient digestion through proper chewing.
• Your bite can significantly impact your facial appearance. An improper bite may lead to a misshape of your face, which can affect your self-esteem and overall facial aesthetics.
• Bite alignment can affect your speech patterns. Correcting a misaligned bite can improve your ability to articulate words clearly.

Evaluating Tooth Wear

Dentists also pay attention to signs of tooth wear, which can result from grinding (bruxism)or clenching your teeth. Excessive wear can lead to sensitivity and other dental problems, and your dentist may recommend treatments like night guards to protect your teeth.

Examining Your Saliva

While saliva aids digestion by moistening food and making it easier to chew and swallow, it also helps neutralise acids, wash away food particles, and prevent bacterial overgrowth. Your dentist may assess the quantity and quality of your saliva to identify any potential issues related to dry mouth, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.

X-rays for Hidden Issues

Dentists use X-rays to detect problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye. They can reveal cavities between teeth, impacted wisdom teeth, and bone health. Your dentist will use X-rays selectively based on your oral health history and needs.

Checking for Tooth Decay

While you may be aware that your dentist checks for cavities, you may not know that they use specialised tools to detect even the tiniest areas of decay, sometimes before it shows up on an X-ray.

Dentists use dental explorers, also known as dental probes, to gently check the texture of tooth surfaces. When a tooth is healthy, the enamel is smooth. However, decayed areas may feel slightly soft or sticky when probed.

Special dyes or staining agents may also be applied to the teeth. These substances can highlight areas of decay by adhering to weakened enamel.

Monitoring Dental Restorations

If you have dental restorations like fillings, crowns, or bridges, your dentist will carefully examine them for signs of wear or damage, ensuring the integrity of these restorations.

Reviewing Your Medical History

Your overall health can significantly impact your oral health. Dentists often review patients’ medical histories to identify any conditions or medications affecting dental care.

Providing Preventive Education

One of your dentist’s most important roles is educating you on oral hygiene and preventive care. They will offer guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques, diet choices, and lifestyle habits to help you maintain a healthy smile between checkups.

Conclusion

In conclusion, regular dental checkups involve much more than cleaning your teeth. Dentists are highly skilled professionals who are committed to your overall oral health. The next time you visit your dentist, you can appreciate the thoroughness of the examination and the care they take to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

At Affinity Dental, we are dedicated to making dental care accessible and affordable for you and your family. When you choose one of our dental plans, you gain access to a vast network of over 2,000 skilled and professional dentists. Our benefits include mouth examination, scale and polish, intraoral radiographs, infection control, and more. Contact Affinity Dental for helpful advice on which dental plan is best suited to you and your family, and visit a network Dentist for more on what to anticipate during your upcoming dental checkup. Your oral health is important to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.