A routine dental exam may reveal unknown problems with your bones, heart, blood sugar, or digestion because certain warning signs live inside your mouth. So, visiting the dentist regularly is not only good for your dental health, but your overall health too.
A dental exam can also detect poor nutrition and hygiene, improper jaw alignment and signs of developing oral and overall health problems.
Your mouth is a mirror of your body.
The mouth shows signs of tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health problems. It can also show signs of other disease, if you're missing certain foods from your diet and unhealthy habits such as using tobacco and tobacco-like products, and alcohol.
If you have healthy gums, they will look firm and pink. Some signs of unhealthy gums include redness and swelling, gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, and gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth.
Many dentists routinely check for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer. So they are often the first people to spot the early signs of cancer. If the dentist suspects cancer they can refer you to a specialist.
An X-ray of the aching tooth can help identify an abscess. Your dentist may also use X-rays to determine whether the infection has spread, causing abscesses in other areas. Recommend a computed tomography (CT) scan.
For cancer prevention efforts, your dentist will check your lips, head, neck, and mouth tissues like the tongue's surface for any visible signs of oral cancer. They will look for any abnormalities within the mouth or symptoms that could possibly lead to oral cancer.
In particular, gum disease can be difficult to notice as it may present itself without any major warning signs. With that being said, it is important to never skip dental exams as they allow the general dentist the opportunity to identify these signs and implement a plan to address them.
Can Dentists tell if you have depression? Dentists are trained to look for signs of depression, but they are not mental health professionals. However, some telltale signs may indicate that a person is struggling with depression. For example, people who are depressed may have trouble taking care of their teeth.
At your check-up, your dentist may: ask you about your medical history and whether you are currently taking any medicine. carry out a full examination of your mouth, teeth and gums.
Pain in your teeth, gum or jaw. Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods. Sore or bleeding gums. Swelling of the gums, jaw or lymph bodes.
Signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess include: Severe, constant, throbbing toothache that can spread to your jawbone, neck or ear. Pain or discomfort with hot and cold temperatures. Pain or discomfort with the pressure of chewing or biting.
3. Infections: X-rays can also help dentists detect infections that may be present in the gums, jawbone, and other areas of the mouth. This is important for identifying and treating problems like abscesses before they become severe.
During an oral cancer screening exam, your dentist looks over the inside of your mouth to check for red or white patches or mouth sores. Using gloved hands, your dentist also feels the tissues in your mouth to check for lumps or other abnormalities. The dentist may also examine your throat and neck for lumps.
"There are two basic ways that oral cancers present in the mouth — as white patches or red patches," says Dr. Kain. "Red patches are a bit more concerning than white patches, but either needs to be evaluated if it doesn't go away after several weeks."
Your dentist always checks the back of your throat and tonsils to ensure there are no signs of infection or irritation.
Some of the most common diseases that impact our oral health include cavities (tooth decay), gum (periodontal) disease, and oral cancer.
People typically use the term “dental problems” to refer to conditions that affect oral health. Dental problems include cavities, tooth erosion, gum infections, and gum diseases. They can cause pain and discomfort, may affect a person's ability to eat, and may have a negative impact on an individual's self-esteem.
What Color are Unhealthy Gums? Disease-causing bacteria can cause gums to become inflamed, which can sometimes lead to bright red gums. In other cases, the bacteria can cause an infection that results in white or blue gums. And in severe cases, the infection can cause the gums to turn black.