What Your Dentist Can Tell By Looking In Your Mouth
DENTISTS AREN’T JUST looking for cavities at your routine checkup. A quick examination of your mouth can reveal a lot more about your oral and overall health than you think. The dentist may even discover some of your quirky habits! #1: You Haven’t Been Flossing RegularlyThat quick flossing session right before your appointment may make it more apparent to your dentist that you haven’t been flossing on a regular basis. When you only floss right before your dental checkup, your gums may still be bleeding and usually look damaged and inflamed. Healthy gums, on the other hand, appear tight and pink. #2: You Have A Sinus InfectionSinus infections are known for causing pain and pressure in your sinus cavity, but sometimes even you can feel it in your upper teeth! Are you unsure whether you have a toothache or a sinus infection? Luckily, your dentist can tell the difference! A simple home test is to bend over and touch your toes. If the pressure or pain increases upon bending over, it is most likely not a toothache! #3: You Bite Your NailsHere’s one of those quirky habits that you can’t hide from your dentist! Nail biters have leveled off, flat front teeth. This is because of the grinding that occurs between the top and bottom teeth. #4: You Have A Vitamin DeficiencyDentists look at more than just your teeth—they examine the health of your whole mouth! Vitamin deficiencies in particular can manifest themselves in your mouth in various ways. Here are some examples:
#5: You Used To Suck Your ThumbIf you had the habit of sucking your thumb or finger past the age of seven, there will be significant changes in your bite and the position of your teeth. Telltale signs may remain but these can be fixed through orthodontic treatment. #6: You Have Another Serious Health IssueSerious maladies such as oral cancer, diabetes, and heart disease show symptoms in the mouth. We Provide More Than Just A CleaningYour dental appointment is much more than just a cleaning! Beyond being able to tell that you bite your nails or don’t floss as often as you should, we can also detect other, more serious health problems and help you get your health back on track. Thank you for placing your trust in Oak Ridge Dental Arts! |