If you have a generally healthy mouth, chances are, your biannual dentist appointments feel like “just cleanings.” However, that is far from the truth! Beyond the typical examination and cleaning you have come to expect during each visit, there are a number of other things your dentist is doing to ensure the overall health of your mouth.
Oral Cancer Screening
Did you know that your dentist checks for oral cancer every 6 months at your appointment? For prevention purposes, your dentist will check your lips, head, neck, and mouth tissues for any worrying or visible signs of cancer. They look for any abnormalities that might indicate cancer or could potentially become cancerous.
Inspecting Salivary Glands
An adequate amount of saliva is important because it coats your mouth and helps wash away bacteria. Chronic dry mouth can lead to a host of dental problems, like tooth decay, so it makes sense that your salivary glands are one of the things your dentist will examine during your appointment.
Examining Your Bite
You have probably had your dentist tell you to bite down for them during your appointment while they examine your teeth. This helps them to examine your bite to ensure all of your teeth are lined up properly. If not, your dentist might refer you to a specialty dentist trained in orthodontics to rectify any issues present.
Examining Your Tonsils
Just like your gums, your tonsils can tell us a lot about your overall health! Tonsils that are swollen or present signs of infection can be a red flag for your dentist to look further into your health.
Teaching Lifelong Habits
Here at Krengel Dental, we work to teach our patients the building blocks of a happy, healthy smile each time they visit our office. From friendly reminders to brush and floss, to thorough explanations of each instrument, tool, or procedure we do, we make a strong effort to ensure each patient leaves more educated and with the tools they need to make the best choices.
Your dental appointments are so much more than a cleaning. They’re an opportunity to check-in on so many different facets of your health and ensure you’re on the right path. Call us today to make an appointment!
