The majority of us have a pretty good understanding of what goes on at a dental checkup—teeth cleaning, a thorough inspection, and a lecture about flossing more, right? But your dentist is actually checking for a lot more than that! Keep reading for what exactly your dentist checks for during your dental visits, and how to impress them at your next checkup. 

Plaque & Tartar Buildup

One of the first things your dentist will check for is plaque and tartar. Plaque is really hard to catch on your own—it’s colorless, so often you won’t notice it’s there until it’s accumulated over a long period of time! After a long period of time, the plaque hardens into tartar. This you’ll probably be able to see, but it’s really difficult to remove without professional dental tools—which you shouldn’t be using. 

Your dentist will thoroughly inspect your teeth for signs of both of these things, and remove anything they find so you can start fresh!

Cavities

Cavities are no one’s idea of a good time, but it’s important to catch them as early as possible so they don’t cause permanent damage to your teeth. Snacking often throughout the day, drinking and eating lots of sugary things, and poor at-home oral hygiene can all lead to cavities. Your dentist will check for them thoroughly during your dental visit. 

Gum Disease

Like plaque, the early signs of gum disease can be difficult to catch on your own. In fact, gum disease is often painless in its early stages—meaning you might not even feel discomfort or know that something’s wrong. A few signs you can look out for at home include swollen gums, tender gums, or gums that bleed easily. For example, if you see blood in your sink every time you spit out your toothpaste, you should see your dentist. 

Loose Teeth

Loose teeth aren’t quite as exciting when you’re an adult, are they? Your adult teeth should last for the entirety of your life—so if one is loose, there’s most likely a sinister cause. Gum disease, injury, tooth decay, and even pregnancy can all cause loose adult teeth. Your dentist will be able to tell if you have any loose teeth, and what the cause might be. 

Don’t Put Off Your Dental Visits

As you can see, dental visits are about a lot more than just a good teeth scrubbing! Your dentist is using their years of education and practice to check for subtle signs of larger problems. This is important for avoiding serious oral health problems, but it’s also important to your overall health as well. If you’re ready to stop putting off your six-month dental visits, get in touch with LeCroy Dental and schedule an appointment today! We guarantee a calm, professional atmosphere and great experience. See you soon!