What is our dentist looking for during a dental check-up?
It’s that time of year again; your phone pings, and you are reminded that you need to go for a dental check-up.
When you come to our dentist in Crawley, we can ensure that you get a thorough oral examination and that any concerns you have are addressed and assessed properly.
But you may be wondering what our dentist in Crawley is looking for when they perform a check-up.
Cavities or tooth decay
It’s important to note that in its early stages, a cavity may not cause any noticeable symptoms. Regular dental check-ups can help detect cavities before they cause significant pain or damage. So, if you have any symptoms akin to dental discomfort, sensitivity or bad breath, you need to book a check-up with our dentist in Crawley.
Gum disease
Like cavities, gum disease can be insidious at first, and this is why you need to maintain contact with our dental team.
Symptoms of gum disease include bleeding gums during brushing, flossing, or biting into hard foods, as well as visibly swollen, red, or tender gums.
It can also present with receding gums, which expose more of the tooth roots. You can also have persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
Oral cancer
Oral cancer is one of the more serious things that we look for during a check-up.
Symptoms can include sores or growths in your mouth that do not heal within 14 days, as well as pain or difficulty swallowing.
A persistent earache accompanied by swelling or lumps in the mouth or neck are also symptoms that could indicate cancer.
Wear and tear on teeth or fillings
Fillings, teeth and crowns get worn down, which can lead to cavities forming as well as sensitivity.
So, if you feel that one of your fillings has changed shape or if you notice discomfort when drinking hot tea, for example, call our team.
Jaw and bite alignment
Tracking jaw and bite alignment are important, especially if it changes, as this can point to a serious issue like oral cancer.
We can assess jaw and bite alignment through a combination of visual examination and manual palpation. We will look for symmetry in the jaw and face, any obvious asymmetries in the bite, and check for proper occlusion (the way the upper and lower teeth fit together when the mouth is closed). We may also ask you to bite down or move your jaw in certain ways to evaluate the bite.
Evidence of bruxism (teeth grinding)
Going back to worn teeth, when you attend a check-up with our team, we will also be looking for signs of bruxism.
This can look like flatter teeth, but for you, it can feel like sensitivity, earache, headaches and neck pain. So, if you notice any of these issues, please book yourself in for a check-up.
Plaque and tartar build-up
And finally, we will be looking for evidence of plaque build-up.
Plaque build-up can cause tooth decay and gum disease if not removed through regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings. So, we will clean your teeth for you and advise you on how best to tackle plaque.