4 Things You Didn't Know Your Dentist Was Doing During Checkup
Posted on 3/22/2021 by Advanced Dental Associates
Whether you visit your dentist for a complicated procedure or a simple scaling, they thoroughly check your oral health in ways you may be unaware of. Dentists inspect your teeth and gums, but don't point anything out unless it is a cause for concern.
Curious about what your dentist may be up to during a checkup? Here are 4 things you probably didn't know your dentist was doing:
Examining Your Tongue
Sure, your dentist's focus is your gums and teeth, but they also assess your tongue health during check ups. They examine the shape, size and color of your tongue to determine its health. For instance, a white coating on your tongue signifies a dry mouth. Your dentist will check for potential warning signs and mention an issue if they find any.
Checking Each Tooth
A dentist checks all your visible teeth using a small mirror and a dental “explorer”. They especially focus on the surface of the teeth known as the enamel. Your dentist will alert you if they find any signs of damage caused by habits like nail biting, teeth grinding, or nail biting.
Oral Cancer Screening
Did you know your dentist always assesses your mouth for signs of oral cancer? Dentists generally examine your head, lips, neck, and mouth tissues to detect any red flags. They possess a deep understanding of teeth and gums, making them capable of detecting any abnormalities inside the mouth or on your tongue.
Inspecting Your Salivary Glands
Dentists inspect your salivary glands to check whether they are producing an adequate amount of saliva. Saliva is crucial for coating your mouth and flushing away bacteria. Without substantial saliva production, your mouth is likely to be vulnerable to bacteria, infection, cavities, and bad breath.
Your dental appointments are much more thorough than you think. At Advanced Dental Associates our experts perform comprehensive checkups to ensure good oral health. To schedule an appointment with us, give us a call at Advanced Dental Associates today.
Dental Blog San Antonio, TX • Advanced Dental Associates We here at Advanced Dental Associates believe in educating our patients about how to best maintain their oral and overall health. Call us today at: (210) 655-2753.
Advanced Dental Associates, 16131 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247-1002 ^ (210) 714-5589 ^ advanceddentalsa.com ^ 5/30/2023 ^ Related Phrases: dentist San Antonio TX ^
Whether you visit your dentist for a complicated procedure or a simple scaling, they thoroughly check your oral health in ways you may be unaware of. Dentists inspect your teeth and gums, but don't point anything out unless it is a cause for concern.