If you’ve been to the dentist recently for a semi-annual cleaning, you have probably noticed that most of your time is spent with the hygienist. In fact, the dentist usually only makes an appearance at the conclusion of the appointment. Just a quick examination, a few words of advice and then you’re on your way.
So, you may be wondering how much a dentist can glean from such a quick exam. We’re here to tell you: it’s more than you may think!
In this article, we’re going to give you the inside scoop on what dentists look for during an exam and offer some tips on how you can help your dental squad give you the best care possible.
What your dentist is looking for
With a relatively quick glance in your mouth, the trained eye of your dentist can detect quite a bit!
Signs of infection: This can manifest as swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, the gums, throat or other oral tissue. While not common, these signs can occasionally point toward more dangerous systemic infections, so you definitely want to make sure you keep up on your appointments for that semi-annual peace of mind!
Risk of periodontal disease: Better known as gum disease, your dentist can spot the warning signs of swollen, inflamed, or sensitive gum tissue. And we hate to break it to you, but if you have been fibbing about how often you floss, your dentist is going to find out at this stage.
Decay or injury: White or black spots on the teeth are often the first signs of cavities, long before they cause pain. That’s when treatment is quickest and most effective, so you want to make sure these are caught early.
Alignment issues: Teeth that are wearing down prematurely and chronic mouth sores around the bite area can indicate a misalignment of the teeth or jaw, or another issue is causing the patient to bite and chew awkwardly.
Tooth grinding: Also called bruxism, tooth grinding is a telltale sign of stress. While some patients only experience bruxism while sleeping, some may also feel its effects in the form of jaw pain and headaches. Your dentist can spot these signs of wear and tear during their exam.
Warning sigs of serious diseases: If the eyes are the window to the soul, then your mouth is the window to your overall health. Believe it or not, signs of serious conditions (such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers) are often first visible in oral tissue. As a result, your dentist’s visual examination could potentially be the opportunity for earliest diagnosis.
How you can be a better partner in oral health
While your dentist will rely on your hygienist’s trained observations and can see a lot through their visual examination, they need your help as well. To get the most possible out of each routine dental exam, be sure to do the following:
Talk: Let your dentist know of any concerns you’ve been experiencing. Have you noticed pain or sensitivity in your teeth, gums or jaw? Have you seen any sign of discoloration or redness? Share these observations with your dentist and make sure you bring along any questions you may have.
Listen: Then, listen carefully to your dentist’s responses and suggestions. Continue with any follow-up questions or comments so you’re both on the same page. They will either give you a clean bill of oral health or make treatment suggestions based on what they see combined with your discussion.
Act: Follow through after the visit by acting on the recommendations your dentist makes. Don’t procrastinate on treatment or further testing if the exam turned up areas of concern. If it’s not causing you pain now, your dentist likely caught the issue early. So, now is the best time to treat it!
The bottom line: You dentist can learn a lot during their visual exam, not just about your oral health, but your overall health as well. Have an open dialogue with your dental team about what they see and follow through on their suggestions.
This article has been updated from its original publication date of 1/31/19.