A beautiful and healthy smile not only gives you self-confidence but has been proven to impact your overall well-being. In addition to your daily oral health hygiene of brushing and flossing, your biannual dental checkups are essential to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Your dentist is doing many things—some of which you may not even be aware of! –to make sure your grin stays healthy as well as prevent any future oral issues. Here are 10 of them!
#1. Your Dentist Checks Every Tooth
Your dentist examines every single one of your pearly whites with a small mirror and a dental probe. They check for any changes in your mouth since your last visit as well as any other concerning issues.
#2. Your Dentist Scrapes Away Plaque and Tartar
After examining your teeth, a scaler will be used by your dentist to scrape away any plaque and tartar buildup. By removing bacteria from your mouth, your risk of gum disease decreases, and your smile will be bright and clean!
#3. Your Dentist Polishes Your Teeth
Naturally, your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth. However, they will also polish them to make them smooth and prevent the buildup of plaque.
#4. Your Dentist Examines Your Gums
Having healthy gums is essential for good oral health. Your dentist will check them for signs of infection, such as bleeding and swelling. Additionally, they will also measure the pockets between your teeth and gums, as abnormal gum pocket size can be an indication of unhealthy gum tissue.
#5. Your Dentist Examines Your Tongue
Did you know your tongue can reveal a lot about your oral and overall health? Your dentist will look at the texture and size of your tongue to ensure there are no underlying oral health issues.
#6. Your Dentist Performs an Oral Cancer Screening
Whether you are aware or not, your dentist checks for oral cancer at every one of your checkups. They will examine your head, neck, lymph nodes, palate, cheeks, and tongue for visible signs of concern.
#7. Your Dentist Checks Your Tonsils
In addition to your tongue, your tonsils can also reveal any health issues that could be in your body. Your dentist will examine your tonsils and throat for any signs of infection or swelling.
#8. Your Dentist Looks at Your Temporomandibular Joint
Your TMJ is the joint that connects the jawbone and the jaw. A close examination of it will ensure this joint and your bite are working together effectively.
#9. Your Dentist Evaluates Your Bite
To see if any teeth have shifted out of place, your dentist will check your bite and alignment. A misaligned smile can cause major issues over time. If they are not aligned, your dentist may suggest orthodontic treatment.
#10. Your Dentist Checks Your Salivary Glands
Saliva naturally cleans the mouth of harmful bacteria and debris. Your dentist will inspect the salivary glands to make sure they’re producing an adequate amount. Without an adequate saliva supply, your smile is more prone to develop cavities, bacteria, infection, and bad breath.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Camenzuli and his team at Camenzuli Dental Excellence keep the smiles of New Orleans whole, healthy, and beautiful. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry and is also a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (a distinction achieved by only 6% of dentists in the U.S. and Canada). By offering a full range of dental services, including preventive care, he can assist you with any of your oral health needs. To schedule an appointment, contact him through his website or call(504) 584-4225.