6 Things You Didn’t Know Your Dentist Was Doing During Your Checkup

When you go to the dental office for your regular checkups every six months, you’re probably just expecting your hygienist to polish your teeth and your dentist to pop in at the end and take a quick look in your mouth. However, there is actually a lot more to your visits than just that. Your dentist is looking for all sorts of different signs and abnormalities that could indicate that something more serious is happening. Here are some of the things that your dentist is doing.

Oral Cancer Screening

When you come to the dental office for cleanings and checkups, your dentist always checks for signs of oral cancer. They will take a look at your lips, head, neck, and mouth tissues. Your dentist will also check for other abnormalities that could lead to the development of oral cancer in the future. When oral cancer is caught early on, it’s often times easy to treat. However, when neglected, it can turn deadly.

Examining the Tongue

A lot about your health can be determined by the size and surface of your tongue. To make sure that everything looks to be in good shape, your dentist will take a look at the texture and the size of your tongue.

Inspecting the Salivary Glands

Your dentist will take a look at your salivary glands to ensure that you are producing enough saliva. This liquid coats the mouth to help wash away bacteria. If you don’t have enough saliva, you will become more prone to cavities, bacteria, infection, and halitosis.

Checking Your Tonsils

Dentists always take the time to look at your tonsils for signs of infection or swelling. Like the tongue, tonsils can tell a lot about health concerns that are present in the body.

Looking at the Temporomandibular Joint

The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects the jawbone and jaw together. It allows your mouth to open and close smoothly so you can chew and smile with ease. Your dentist will ensure that your joint and bite are working together in the right way.

Patient Education

There is an educational aspect to your appointment as well. Your dentist and hygienist will spend time teaching you about proper oral hygiene habits, brushing technique, flossing, and why they are all so important. This way, you can take this information home and apply it to your oral hygiene routine.

There are numerous aspects to your dental visit in addition to your regular cleaning. In the end, all these steps help to ensure that your smile stays strong and healthy for many years down the road!

About the Author

Dr. Alvin Aquino earned his DMD degree from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine before attending a General Practice Residency program with Morristown Medical Center. During this time, he received advanced training in root canal therapy, cosmetic dentistry, CAD/CAM technology, dental implant placement, advanced oral surgery, and more! He remains heavily involved in continuing education to expand his clinical knowledge. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his off in Avenel, visit his website or call (732) 582-4224.