At first, you may think you know exactly what your dentist does during your dental checkup. They obviously check for cavities, but it may surprise you to learn that there are several other things they accomplish while you’re in the chair. What else are they doing that you may not already know about? Keep reading to find out!
Checking on Previously Flagged Issues
If you’ve visited your dentist more than once, they have records of your previous appointments. In these records, they may have documented teeth that they want to keep a close eye on. Going regularly allows them to see if a potential problem is getting worse or remaining stable. If the issue shows signs of downward progression, they can quickly act and treat the tooth before it becomes a serious, painful problem. That’s the beauty of going to the same dentist for a long time!
Inspecting Your Gums
Believe it or not, your gums are just as important as your teeth. If they are red, swollen, or receding, your dentist may talk to you about gum disease, which can be serious if left untreated. Depending on the severity of your case, they may instruct you to be more diligent in your at-home oral hygiene or recommend treatment.
Screening You for Oral Cancer
Even if you don’t smoke or drink alcohol, you could be at risk for this type of cancer. In fact, it is the sixth most common in the United States, but it ranks among the deadliest. Unfortunately, one person dies every hour every day from it, but the truth is that it is treatable and survivable when it’s caught early on.
In just a couple of pain-free minutes, your dentist visually examines your tongue, cheeks, neck, and lips for any signs of strange or discolored patches of tissue, the most common signs of oral cancer. If they find anything concerning during your screening, they can refer you to a physician for further testing. It’s a simple examination, but it could save your life!
Examining Your Bite
Although dentists definitely look at teeth individually, they also care about how your teeth interact with each other as a whole set. How your upper and lower arches meet up, also known as your bite, is important because an uneven or misaligned bite could lead to jaw pain, excessive enamel wear, cracks or fractures, and other damage. Your dentist may ask you to open and close your mouth several times so that they can see how your bite fits together.
Checkups are about so much more than just your teeth and diagnosing current cavities. They’re about your whole smile and your overall wellness! As a result, don’t wait longer than six months in between these essential visits.
About the Practice
For more than 20 years, Beach Dental has served patients from the Westhampton Beach, Manorville, East Quogue, East Moriches, and Westhampton areas. Dr. Alexis Gersten and Dr. Jason Parli have undergone many, many hours of advanced training in complex procedures like dental implants, Invisalign, and cosmetic treatment, but we encourage patients to maintain oral health through basic checkups regularly. To schedule an appointment, contact our office online or call us at 631-325-0731.