Although your bi-annual dental checkups may not last very long, having a knowledgeable eye scan your teeth, gums, and the inside of your mouth can help you avoid trouble down the road. Your dentist may not explicitly say it at every visit, but they’re looking for a number of conditions, ranging from infection and decay to oral cancer and TMJ disorder. Read on to learn six important oral concerns your dentist keeps an eye out for at your six-month appointments.
#1 TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder is a condition that impacts the smooth function of your jaw joints. Your dentist will have you open and close your mouth to see if signs of this condition are present, like clicking and popping. They will also ask you about any symptoms you may be experiencing, like chronic headaches or jaw fatigue when chewing.
#2 Hidden Decay
Cavities can be hidden in the deepest nooks and crevices of your smile, making diagnostic imaging like X-rays very helpful and informative. Your dentist will review your X-rays in search of cavities that may not be visible to the naked eye, like those developing between the teeth.
#3 Condition of Your Existing Dental Work
If you have existing dental work, like a bridge, denture, crown, or filling, your dentist will examine these to make sure they’re still doing their job. If they’re damaged or loose-fitting, they may recommend having them replaced in order to prevent future oral health problems from arising.
#4 Your Bite
Bite problems like overbite, underbite, and cross bite can impact your day-to-day comfort as well as your oral health. By examining your bite and recommending orthodontic treatment when necessary, your dentist can help prevent chronic discomfort caused by problems like TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). If they see signs of grinding, they can even craft a customized nightguard to protect your teeth from damage.
#5 Gum Disease
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss as well as one of the most common oral health problems in the nation, estimated to impact one out of every two adults. These routine screenings from your dentist will involve measuring the depth of the pockets of your gums and tracking any other symptoms, like gum recession and chronic bad breath. This will allow them to tailor and recommend treatments like scaling and root planing to preserve your smile and stop gum disease from progressing and causing permanent oral damage.
The whole purpose of dental checkups is to make that, if any issues arise throughout the year, your dentist has an opportunity to diagnose and address them before they cause permanent damage to your smile. They only take an hour of your time twice a year, which is well worth it when you consider what could happen if you left dental issues unchecked!
#6 Effects of Lifestyle Habits
If you smoke, use tobacco products, or drink more than two alcoholic beverages a day, did you know that you’re more likely to develop oral health problems like gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer? Your dentist can help assess your risk of these conditions as well as educate you about how your habits could be increasing your chances of developing them.
About the Practice
Our four dentists and specialists at Beverly Farms Dental have several decades of experience between them as well as a commitment to providing high-quality preventive dentistry. With routine checkups and cleanings, our team aims to stop serious oral health concerns from arising, like tooth loss and gum disease, so you can live a long life with a happy smile. For questions or to schedule a bi-annual dental checkup in Beverly, visit our website or call 978-927-3515.
