When you visit your dentist every six months for your regular, biannual dental check-up and cleaning, you may think he’s only looking in your mouth for cavities. But the truth is, there’s so much more that goes into your dental exam than you may have realized. Here’s what your dentist is searching for when he performs your dental exam, and why it’s extremely important to have regular oral health check-ups!
Checking for Gum Disease
During your regular dental exam, your dentist isn’t just checking your teeth, he is also looking closely at your gums. That’s because if left untreated, gum disease can not only cause pain and inflammation, but it can also cause tooth loss!
Examining Your Bite
Bite issues can make chewing and speaking properly very difficult. They can also make it difficult to care for your teeth, putting you at a higher risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth infections. Identifying bite problems early on can prevent these issues and even correcting them later in life can make life-changing improvements to your smile and your oral health.
Searching for Signs of Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching
Grinding or clenching your teeth can cause myriad oral health problems including enamel war, tooth sensitivity, and even jaw pain. If your dentist notices signs of this behavior when examining your mouth, he can prescribe solutions such as a custom mouthguard to help absorb the impact of grinding and safeguard your teeth from damage.
Evaluating Existing Dental Work
Do you have any restorations in your smile, such as crowns, fillings or dental implants? Your dentist will check the condition of these during your biannual check-up to ensure that they are still in good working order. If he notices they have become loose or damaged, he can create a custom treatment plan to repair or replace them so the underlying tooth will remain safe, and your smile stays attractive and functional for as long as possible.
Screening for Oral Cancer
Each year, approximately 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer, some of them thanks to a diligent dentist. If caught early, oral cancer can be very treatable, but punctual detection is key. Your dental exam and cleaning always include an oral cancer screening, so your dental checkups don’t just save your smile, they could potentially save your life!
About Dr. Smiley
A third-generation dentist, Dr. Jonathan Smiley earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine and has completed numerous hours of continuing education through the Dawson Dental Academy. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, Iowa Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. To schedule your preventive exam and cleaning, please contact Smiley Family Dentistry by visiting our website or calling us directly at 319-352-2270.