Scheduling a regular dental examination is one of the wisest decisions you can make for your dental health. Dental examinations help us to accurately diagnose severe problems you’re experiencing. They also alert us to problem spots that you may not be aware of. Early diagnosis helps us offer the best treatment option as soon as possible, which can have a dramatically positive effect on your dental and overall health. Our team takes a thorough look at a wide variety of factors whenever we perform an exam. Here are five of the many things we look for during a dental exam, many of which were recently featured in the Huffington Post:
1. Bad Breath
Bad breath can be a sign of gum disease or bad dental health. It can also signal a problem with halitosis, a consistent malady that can be caused by a sinus infection or acid reflux.
2. Bleeding During Flossing
If your gums bleed during flossing, it may tell us a couple of things:
– You haven’t been flossing regularly at home and your gums aren’t used to the stress and pressure.
– You’re pre-diabetic or your blood sugar isn’t optimized (if you’ve already been diagnosed with diabetes).
3. White Patches
White patches that exist around your tongue or on the inside of your cheek might be a sign of oral thrush, a problem caused by a weak immune system, which is often a cause of a recent cold or a more serious condition, such as HIV or cancer.
4. Worn Teeth
If you’re prone to high amounts of stress and anxiety, you might be grinding your teeth at night. We take a look at the wear patterns on your teeth to determine whether a mouth guard or other device can help maintain your teeth during nightly grinding sessions.
5. Mouth Lesions
Lesions at the back of your mouth can be a sign of oral cancer. We take extra precautions if we notice lesions and may refer you to a doctor or oncologist for more testing.
If you have any lingering questions about how to maintain a beautiful smile, or if you would like to schedule a dental exam, please contact our team or make an appointment. Our incredible staff will give you the best dental care possible.