During a routine dental checkup, your dentist examines your teeth and inside your mouth. Your dentist will check for the following:
- Damaged, missing, or decayed teeth
- Early signs of cavities
- Gum condition, including signs of inflammation or signs of gum disease that can cause tooth and bone loss
- Condition of previous dental work (i.e. root canals, fillings and crowns)
- Early signs of mouth or throat cancer and other suspicious growths or cysts
- Signs of teeth clenching or grinding. These are treatable problems that can cause headaches or a sore jaw. Severe cases may lead to tooth loss.
- Health and function of your temporomandibular joint (which joins the jaw to the skull), and any pain or tenderness
- Overall condition of your facial and jaw bones and around your mouth
- Additionally, your dentist may examine your neck area to feel the glands and lymph nodes for possible signs of inflammation. It could be an early sign of other health issues.