What Exactly Is My Dentist Doing at Checkups?

If you think your dental checkup is just about counting teeth and looking for cavities, you might be surprised. Those twice-yearly visits are doing a lot more heavy lifting than most patients realize. While you’re relaxing in the chair, your dentist is checking on several aspects of your oral and overall health, often catching small concerns before they turn into bigger problems.

Screening for Oral Cancer

One of the most important things your dentist does during a routine checkup is an oral cancer screening. This typically involves examining your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for unusual lumps, patches, or color changes. Early signs of oral cancer can be subtle and painless, which makes regular screenings especially valuable.

Because dentists see inside your mouth more often than most medical providers, they’re in a unique position to spot warning signs early, when treatment is most effective.

Examining Your Tongue and Soft Tissues

Your tongue plays a major role in speaking, chewing, and swallowing, but it can also reveal a lot about your health. Dentists check your tongue for swelling, discoloration, sores, or texture changes that may signal infection, irritation, or other concerns.

They also examine the soft tissues of your mouth, including the inside of your cheeks and the roof of your mouth. These areas can show signs of grinding, stress, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying health conditions.

Checking Salivary Glands and Jaw Function

Saliva is essential for protecting your teeth and gums, so your dentist pays close attention to your salivary glands. Reduced saliva flow can increase your risk for cavities and gum disease, and it may be linked to medications or medical conditions.

Your dentist also evaluates how your jaw opens and closes, listening for clicking or popping sounds and checking for tenderness. These steps help identify issues related to jaw alignment or temporomandibular joint discomfort before they worsen.

Assessing Gum Health Below the Surface

Healthy gums are just as important as healthy teeth. During your checkup, your dentist looks for signs of gum inflammation, recession, or infection. Measuring the depth of the spaces between your teeth and gums helps detect early gum disease that may not yet cause noticeable symptoms.

Catching gum issues early can help prevent tooth loss and protect the bone that supports your teeth.

Looking for Signs of Wear and Bite Issues

Your dentist also examines how your teeth fit together when you bite. Uneven wear, flattened edges, or small cracks can be signs of grinding or clenching, often happening during sleep without you realizing it.

Identifying these patterns early allows your dentist to recommend solutions that help protect your teeth and reduce strain on your jaw.

Routine dental checkups are doing more than keeping your smile bright — they’re quietly protecting your long-term health.

About the Practice

Your go-to neighborhood practice, Peery & Woolwine Family Dentistry, provides comprehensive dental checkups and cleanings focused on prevention, early detection, and patient comfort. Our experienced doctors take a thorough approach to routine visits, examining not just teeth but overall oral health to help patients maintain healthy smiles for years to come.

Call us at (434) 847-5331 or request an appointment online.