The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your go-to dentist in Boca Raton every six months. Prevention plays a big role in oral health, as it allows us to identify and treat oral conditions early on before they can cause considerable damage to your mouth.
During a dental check-up, your dentist will look at several factors. We’ll use dental tools to probe and assess the state of your fillings, check the health of your gums, and even conduct dental X-rays, if necessary. We’re here to help you understand why these steps are necessary, so here’s a breakdown of what your dental professional looks for during a regular appointment.
Type of Dental Issues Your Dentist Will Look Out for
1. Tooth Decay
With nearly 90% of adults ages 20 to 64 years having had decay in their teeth, tooth decay—also known as cavities or dental caries—is one of the most common health problems among Americans. It is caused by bacteria in the mouth fostered by bad oral hygiene habits.
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth after every meal and flossing to remove food debris from the spaces between teeth where your brush doesn’t reach. If not, bacteria may produce acids to break down these food leftovers. These acids damage the outermost layer of your teeth, known as the enamel.
Once these acids weaken the enamel, it’s more likely to develop cavities. If left untreated, tooth decay can also lead to toothaches, gum disease, and tooth loss.
2. Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontitis, is another very common oral condition, affecting nearly half of the population in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Some common signs of gum disease are swelling, discoloration, sensitivity, and bleeding when brushing or flossing your teeth.
Periodontitis is caused by the same enamel-eating bacteria that leads to cavities. Over time, bacteria can accumulate into plaque and tartar, a white substance that gathers on the corner of your gums. The acids it produces will irritate your gums, causing them to swell and, eventually, recede from the tooth surface, exposing the most vulnerable parts of a tooth.
For that reason, gum disease is a very dangerous disease. It can cause tooth loss and bone density loss, and it has even been associated with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature births.
3. Impacted Teeth
Impacted teeth are teeth that don’t emerge entirely through the gums. They frequently need to be removed since they raise the risk of some oral issues, like an infection.
Third molars, or wisdom teeth, are particularly susceptible to impacted teeth because they lack sufficient space to emerge properly. If we suspect you may have an impacted third molar, we’ll request dental X-rays and explore the possibility of a dental extraction together.
4. Bruxism
For millions of Americans, bruxism—also known as nighttime teeth grinding—can have a very negative effect on their overall oral health. In particular, bruxism can cause teeth to appear short, worn down, and seriously damaged.
During a dental examination, we may suggest a nightguard if we find evidence of bruxism to protect your remaining teeth.
5. Oral Cancer
Although oral cancer screenings are recommended for high-risk individuals, a dentist can also check for certain symptoms during a routine dental examination.
We might suggest a more thorough oral cancer screening if there are any reasons to be concerned about identifying whether the problem is cancer or something else.
Maintain Your Oral Health with a Reliable Dentist in Boca Raton
Knowing what to expect may help you feel more at ease if you’re nervous during dental exams. Oftentimes, dentists look out for signs of cavities, gum disease, impacted teeth, bruxism, and oral cancer.
Depending on your specific concerns and goals, we may also check for other concerns, like bite problems. Each visit is tailored to the patient’s specific requirements and objectives. Contact us today if you’re due for a dental exam with Great Boca Smiles!
