Many people are unaware that getting a proper oral health screening is equally as important as an annual physical. A person’s dental health can at times be a barometer for the overall status of their health. For example, without regular blood testing you might not be aware that you have diabetes. However, a Houston dentist that identifies gum disease knows that condition could signal the presence of diabetes, so they would let the patient know to follow up with their doctor.
By letting your oral health screenings slide, you are underestimating the protection they might have offered you. Is that a gamble you are willing to take? We say no, so make an appointment with a Houston dentist today and take control of your oral health!
The Importance of Oral Health Screenings
While getting your teeth professionally cleaned every six months can be a part of an oral health screening, it is not the same thing. A proper screening generally includes a physical inspection of the mouth to look for signs of oral disease or other conditions that may point to even bigger problems.
In many cases, oral health screenings cause patients no physical pain with results that could protect their dental and overall health. The ease of the examination and the benefits it yields make dental screenings a must for your next regular appointment. However, if you are noticing troublesome changes or are experiencing pain in the gums, teeth or jaw, do not wait until your next regular appointment to seek dental help.
Common Oral Health Conditions Detected with Oral Health Screenings
The purpose of having an oral health screening is to take a proactive approach to identifying present health conditions that could be a red flag for your dental or overall health, as well as the early detection of minor conditions that could become more serious without proper intervention.
Some of the most common oral health conditions detected during a routine screening include:
- Plaque buildup. Dental plaque can look like a white film or coating on or around teeth that is sticky and attracts food debris. If an abundance of plaque is found during a screening, your dentist will recommend a professional teeth cleaning and review proper brushing and flossing methods.
- Tooth decay. There are various stages of tooth decay, but they can be most visible as a white, chalky area on a tooth’s enamel. Tooth decay can otherwise be known as one or more cavities and can cause discoloration, temperature sensitivity, and pain.
- Oral abscesses occur on the gums, sometimes near the tooth line. They can manifest as boil-looking protrusions that may swell and be quite painful, requiring the attention of a board-certified dentist as soon as possible.
- Premature loss of teeth. If tooth decay is present and has gone unchecked for too long, there is a possibility that the person could lose the tooth on their own or it may need to be pulled. In either case, it is important to address as gaps from missing teeth can allow nearby teeth to shift and move, eventually causing complications such as the loss of bone in the jaw or misalignment of teeth.
- Tooth eruptions. Especially for children, oral screenings can be a way of keeping track of permanent teeth that are poking through the gums. If a tooth is growing at a concerning angle or is creating an issue for adjacent teeth, it may require a dentist’s intervention.
Screening Tools and Techniques
Screenings are generally performed by licensed dental hygienists or dentists who examine the lips, teeth, gums, tongue, and throat, as well as tissue in the cheeks and the roof of the mouth.
The examination for oral health care is generally conducted with:
- gloved hands
- special lighting
- a dental mirror
- a scaler
- a tongue depressor
The dental professional will evaluate the teeth structures, examine intraoral soft tissue, do periodontal charting for tracking purposes, perform oral cancer screenings, and do head and neck exams as preventative interventions.
Frequency of Oral Health Screenings
The suggested frequency of oral health screenings for patients can depend on their unique needs. A relatively healthy person with good dental hygiene may only need this type of screening every six months when they go to the dentist for a professional teeth cleaning.
Other patients that have conditions that require close monitoring or that have experienced past issues may require more frequent oral health screenings to proactively address situations that might still be developing.
Understanding Your Screening Results
After an oral health screening is completed, the dentist will review the results with you. This may include sharing their findings by looking at dental x-rays together, talking about how to keep an eye on potential problem areas, and discussing any follow-up care recommendations and answering questions you might have.
In the event that your dentist does find an issue that requires follow-up with your doctor, such as potential gum conditions common with diabetes or a growth on the tongue or mouth that could possibly be cancer, they will likely refer you to a physician for treatment. It is important that you follow through with your dentist’s recommendations.
We use our teeth for smiling, chewing, and pronunciation every single day. It is worth the investment to protect our teeth and gums, and one of the first steps in doing so is to make an appointment with a licensed dentist in Houston for an oral health screening.
