Regular dental visits do far more than check for cavities. During routine exams, your dentist evaluates your entire oral and facial health, seeking to detect serious conditions before their symptoms are noticeable. These screenings play a key role in protecting both your smile and your overall health.
Conditions Your Dentist Is Actively Monitoring
One of the most important screenings is for oral cancer. Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes. During an oral exam, your dentist examines your tongue, cheeks, throat, and soft tissues for unusual lumps, sores, or color changes that could signal early-stage cancer.
Dentists also screen for gum disease, which can progress quietly in its early stages. If left untreated, however, gum disease can progress, causing infection and jawbone density and tooth loss. Signs like gum inflammation, bleeding, and pocket depth changes are carefully monitored at each visit.
Jaw joint issues and bite alignment problems are another focus. Conditions like TMJ disorders can cause headaches, facial pain, uneven tooth wear, and even cracking or breakage. Dentists look for signs of teeth grinding and fractures that may not yet be causing pain but can worsen over time.
In some cases, your dentist may also notice indicators of systemic health concerns, such as diabetes or sleep apnea, which can present through oral symptoms. These findings allow for timely referrals and timely, targeted care.
Comprehensive Preventive Oral Exams in Brentwood, TN
If you’re in Brentwood and want to learn more about preventive dental screenings and protecting your long-term oral and systemic health, contact Dr. Richard Sullivan IV and the friendly Sullivan Dental Partners team to schedule your next dental cleaning and exam.