10 Things You Didn’t Know Your Dentist Was Doing at Your Checkup

Visiting your dentist bi-annually for a routine checkup is essential to your oral health. Some people may skip a few visits if they can’t fit them into their schedule. After all, it’s “just a cleaning” right? Well, the reality is that’s far from the truth! Your dentist does several things during your appointment to ensure your oral health is in tip-top shape. Read along for ten things you may not have realized are done at every checkup.  

Checking Each Tooth

Using a small mirror and a dental probe, your dentist will carefully examine each tooth. They will see if there are any health concerns or changes in your mouth since your last visit.

Examining Your Gums

Your dentist will examine your gums thoroughly for signs of bleeding, swelling, or large gum pockets. These symptoms indicate unhealthy gums or periodontal disease.

Scraping Away Plaque and Tartar

After checking your teeth, your dentist or dental hygienist will use specialized tools to scrape away any excess plaque and tartar. This step helps remove bacteria that can cause gum disease from your mouth. It even makes your smile look brighter!

Polishing Your Teeth

Aside from the usual cleaning, your teeth will also be polished to make them smooth and prevent further plaque and tartar from accumulating.

Examining Your Tongue

The texture and size of your tongue can reveal a lot about your oral and bodily health. Your dentist will closely examine it to ensure there are no concerns or noticeable changes.

Oral Cancer Screening

Your lips, head, neck, and mouth tissues are checked for any visible signs of oral cancer. A cancer screening is done at every routine checkup to catch any symptoms of infection before it progresses.

Inspecting Your Salivary Glands

Your salivary glands are inspected to ensure they’re producing an adequate amount of saliva. If your mouth is not producing enough saliva, your teeth and mouth are more prone to cavities, bacteria, infection, and bad breath.

Evaluating Your Bite

Your dentist will evaluate your bite and alignment to see if your teeth have shifted recently. Shifting is necessary when you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. In other cases, it could be an indication of an issue that requires treatment.

Checking Your Temporomandibular Joint

TMJ is the joint that connects the jawbone and the jaw. Your dentist will check it to make sure it’s healthy and moving freely without clicking, catching, or grinding.

Looking at Your Tonsils

Your dentist will take a close look at the back of your throat and tonsils for any signs of infection or swelling. Tonsils, like the tongue, can also reveal any health concerns that may be present in the body.

As you can see, your routine dental checkups are much more important than you may have realized. Inspecting every area of your mouth ensures not only your mouth is happy and healthy, but your body too.

About the Author

Dr. Zack Hegazin strives to help patients smile with confidence by providing personalized, compassionate dental care. He brings over ten years of experience and is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of General Dentistry, and much more. Dr. Hegazin and the team at Marble Dental Care provide preventive services to help you keep a clean and healthy smile. We can help you reach and maintain optimal oral health with semi-annual cleanings and checkups. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Hegazin via our website or call (214) 592-0441.