Dental exams can ID other problems

By Dr. Linda Niessen / Baylor College of Dentistry

Does your annual dental checkup include more than X-rays to detect cavities? According to the American Dental Association, the best exam should involve much more.

Gary Brooks believes thorough checkups have spared him dental pain and improved his overall health. "There are a lot of things they do that you really don't notice unless you ask, "what are you doing?' Inside and outside, he'll be poking around," Brooks said of his dentist.

You may think a dental checkup identifies mostly cavities, but a complete dental exam can find many other potential problems including periodontal or gum disease.

The dentist should check the depth of the pockets of your gums using a periodontal probe.

They should show the patient what it is and what they're looking for and describe when things are good and when things are not good - and what to do about it," said Dr. Gary SOlomon, a dentist."The dentist should also describe the consequences of each decision that patient is going to make, should they choose to proceed with treatment or not proceed with treatment."

A thorough checkup also includes a cancer exam and a complete health history.

"There are so many diseases that show up in the mouth," Solomon said. "If the person is taking a lot of medicines, it's a good idea to bring to the dentist a list so the dentist can see what has oral, systemic side effects."

Brooks' dentist also noticed signs of grinding and clenching. "We took impressions, and I'm going to get a night guard," Brooks said.

The best dental examination will give you a complete picture of your oral health, and that can affect your overall health.