What Can Dentists Discover During Dental Exams?

This may come as a shock for most people but brushing and flossing are not enough to keep your oral health in excellent shape. You must also visit your dentist in Birmingham at least once every six months for an oral exam.

An oral exam is an integral part in maintaining optimum oral health. During an oral exam, your dentist can uncover signs of oral health problems that you may have ignored. The biggest advantage of regularly seeing your dentist for an oral exam is early detection. Early detection helps prevent dental issues from getting worse.

What Oral Problems Can Dentists Detect During an Oral Exam?

Tooth Decay

Statistics show that more than 1 in 4 Americans have untreated tooth decay. It’s only logical why this is one of the first things your dentist will check during an oral exam. Your dentist will check each tooth for signs of cavities. During the oral exam, your dentist will also check for weakened enamel so the tooth can be treated to protect itself against cavity formation.

Gum Disease

Besides checking your teeth for cavities and tooth decay, your dentist will also take a closer look at the gum tissues surrounding your teeth. Did you know millions of American suffer from gum disease each year? If gum disease is left untreated, it will quickly progress and lead to more serious issues such as gum infection, gum recession, tooth loss, and bone loss.

Some of the signs your dentist will look out for during an oral exam are swollen and bleeding gums, gum discoloration, and gum recession. You may be scheduled for a scaling and root planing procedure especially if your gums have already formed periodontal pockets.

This procedure aims to remove plaque and tartar on your teeth and inside these pockets to prevent further damage. Your dentist will also teach you how to better care for your gums at home.  

Cosmetic Problems

If you have crooked teeth, your dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment in the form of braces or invisible aligners. Dental veneers might also be an option.

Oral Cancer

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, more than 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer per year. It can be difficult to detect signs of oral cancer if you have an untrained eye. The best way to detect oral cancer is to visit your dentist for a checkup.

An oral examination allows your dentist to thoroughly check your mouth for signs of cancer, especially in your tongue, cheeks, and gum tissues. If there are unusual signs that may potentially lead to cancer, your dentist will conduct other tests to confirm the diagnosis. Early detection of cancer means early treatment, preventing it from metastasizing.

Are You Looking for a Dentist in Birmingham?

Are you due for a dental checkup? If yes, feel free to visit us. At Church Family Dental we offer a wide array of dental treatments that aim to improve your smile and restore your oral health. We take pride in our ability to make you feel as comfortable as possible during your treatment. Our office is equipped with all the tools necessary to give you the best care. Contact us today for an appointment.