During a dental checkup, your dentist will do a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. They will look for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health problems. What they do precisely will depend on the main goal for the session, but regardless, many things will be done that cover more about teeth cleaning than you may realize.
So, if you’re wondering what exactly may happen during a dental checkup, keep on reading! Here are a couple of things your dentist may do during a dental checkup:
1. Check Your Teeth for Any Signs of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay can happen when plaque builds up on your teeth and starts to eat away at the enamel. This can cause a small hole, or cavity, to form in your tooth. Your dentist will be looking around for any signs of tooth decay and will tackle them to ensure they do not get worse.
2. Examine Your Gums for Any Signs of Gum Disease
The dentist will examine your gums for any signs of gum disease. They will look for any redness, swelling, or bleeding. They will also check to see if there are any deep pockets between your teeth and gums.
3. Check Your Tongue for Any Signs of Oral Thrush or Other Problems
The dentist will also check your tongue for any signs of oral thrush or other problems. They may also take a small sample of your saliva to test for bacteria or fungus.
4. Look inside Your Mouth for Any Signs of Oral Cancer
The dentist will also take a close look at your mouth for any signs of oral cancer. While most oral cancers are found on the tongue or the roof of the mouth, they can occur anywhere in the mouth. The dentist will look for any abnormal growths, sores, or changes in color or texture that could be indicative of cancer.
5. Check Your Bite for Any Signs of Misalignment
The dentist will also check your bite for any signs of misalignment. If your teeth do not meet properly, it can put a strain on the muscles and tissues in your mouth and cause pain.
6. Take X-Rays of Your Teeth and Jaws
The dentist will take X-rays of your teeth and jaws to get a better idea of their shape and condition. This will help them determine what kind of treatment they need.
7. Clean Your Teeth and Remove Any Plaque or Tartar Buildup
The dentist will use a small mirror to look at your teeth and check for any plaque or tartar buildup. They will then use a special toothbrush to clean your teeth and remove any plaque or tartar that is present.
8. Apply Fluoride Treatment to Your Teeth
The dentist will apply a fluoride treatment to your teeth in order to help protect them from cavities and other damage. Fluoride is a mineral that is found in many foods and water sources, and it can help to strengthen the teeth and make them more resistant to decay.
Conclusion
Apart from the things we’ve mentioned above, there are a ton of other things a dentist can do during your checkup, such as test your bite or look for loose teeth. Either way, their goal is to give you the best oral health possible, and that means finding any problems that may be present in your oral health and addressing them!
Galleria Dental of Alexandria is an Alexandria-based dental practice that offers the highest quality dental care with the latest dental technologies. If you are looking for dental care, book an appointment with us today!