10 Things Your Dentist Looks for During Your Checkup

You’ve gone for dental checkups before, and you probably just hope your dentist doesn’t find any cavities. Turns out, there’s a lot more your dentist is searching for when you sit in the patient’s chair. After all, your overall health is their top priority. Want to know exactly what they check? Your dentist is here to explain the 10 major things they look for and the importance of routine dental checkups in Kernersville.

What 10 Things Is Your Dentist Checking For?

You might think your dentist is only checking the condition of your teeth to spot possible decay. In fact, this would only be one part of their process to keeping track of your dental health. Here are the 10 areas your dentist is examining when they’re performing a checkup:

1. Oral Cancer Screening: Your dentist is looking for visible signs of oral cancer, such as any abnormalities on the tongue’s surface, your lips, head, or neck.
2. Examining the Tongue: By checking the size, texture, and color of your tongue, your dentist can ensure the healthiness of your mouth. Your tongue can say a lot about your dental and overall health.
3. Checking Each Tooth: Using a small mirror and dental “explorer,” your dentist will check every tooth and pay close attention to the strength of the surface of your teeth (enamel).
4. Inspecting Salivary Glands: Your dentist examines your salivary glands, which are essential to producing adequate saliva for washing away bacteria and preventing infections.
5. Checking Your Tonsils: Like your tongue, the tonsils can say much about your health. Your dentist will check for any infection or swelling in these areas.
6. Examining Your Temporomandibular Joint: Your dentist will check your TMJ, which is the joint that connects the jawbone and skull together, ensuring your bite is functioning properly.
7. Examining Your Bite: Your dentist will test your bite to make sure your teeth are coming together correctly when your mouth is closed.
8. Gum Examination:  A thorough examination of your gums for any bleeding or swelling can help them find any early signs of gum disease.
9. Teaching Proper Oral Hygiene: By looking at your teeth, your dentist can determine what adjustments can be made to your oral hygiene routine so that you get the most out of it.
10. Building a Strong Dental Foundation: Above all, your dentist wants you to understand that they care, and the dental environment is a place they want you to feel comfortable. Establishing trust is crucial and providing a positive experience for you should encourage you to keep up with your oral hygiene and future checkups.

A dental checkup is much more than a simple cleaning, and you can be certain your dentist is looking at every aspect of your smile so they can keep it looking and feeling great.

About the Author

Dr. Zack Walker, DDS practices dentistry in Kernersville, NC, where he and his team offer advanced dentistry with the latest in technology. As a member of the ADA and Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Walker can provide you and the family with dental checkups, teeth cleanings, and oral cancer screenings while maintaining a comfortable, fun, and family-oriented environment. If you want to schedule your dental checkup, visit his website or call 336-993-3727.