As a dental professional myself, I can tell you that there is one thing most patients don’t expect to hear about or be surprised by: Even before I get a chance to take a very close look at your teeth, there are already a number of minor signs that give me valuable information regarding your overall oral health!
It’s important to state that I don’t use this information to judge you, but rather to help me better understand your individual needs.
As soon as you sit in the chair (and even before you even open your mouth!), many of these little signs help me know which direction to take in terms of care, addressing any comfort concerns you may have, and developing your treatment based on your unique situation.
The following is a list of several items that I notice right away as your dentist!
1. Your smile and facial expression
The facial expressions and smiles that you show me give me a deeper look into how you’re feeling. A tight smile, a tight jaw, or any hesitation in opening your mouth tells me that you have discomfort, sensitivity, or anxiety. For example, a guarded smile can show me if you have been avoiding chewing on one side of your mouth. Or sometimes, when someone has dental fear, it can also show in how they smile.
This type of communication helps me to slow down and explain things clearly. As I work through your visit, I will pay close attention to your comfort level and ensure I communicate effectively so you are safe and comfortable throughout.
2. Your breathing and mouth dryness
Many dentists immediately recognise if their patient is a mouth breather or has very dry lips. Mouth breathing or extremely dry lips can indicate that the patient has low saliva production.
Saliva is one of the best protectors of your teeth!
When a person’s saliva production decreases, the chances of cavities, gum problems, and bad breath will increase.
A decrease in saliva can be caused by a number of reasons – stress, medications, dehydration, or sleeping problems. Catching this symptom early on will allow easy recommendations before more serious dental problems arise because of it.
3. Your Gum Health
Before looking at teeth, a dentist will review your gums. Redness, swelling, and light bleeding can all be signs of early gum inflammation. Many people believe that it’s normal for gums to bleed; however, this is not true.
The health of your gums can tell you a lot about the health of your oral cavity. Identifying gum issues early on can help prevent loss of bone and teeth in the future.
4. Tooth Wear & Changes in Enamel
Flat edges, small fractures, and shiny, worn surfaces are all signs of wear and tear on teeth. These are usually symptoms of clenching or grinding of teeth, acid erosion, or aggressive tooth brushing.
These symptoms often exist before any pain is felt. Catching these symptoms early can help preserve tooth enamel and prevent sensitivity or fracture.
5. Patterns of Staining on Teeth
There are different types of tooth staining, and dentists can often identify which type of stain is present by the location and appearance of the stain. The stains can be caused by coffee/tea, smoking, or acidic foods and drinks.
Knowing the source of the stain will help us determine the most appropriate cleaning or whitening approach, rather than one that may damage your enamel.
This Is What It Means for You
Going to the dentist is about more than just fixing your teeth. It’s also a way for you to learn about habits that you may be unaware of, feelings of comfort, and the overall health of your mouth.
Going to the dentist is also about keeping your mouth & you healthy, and not waiting until you have pain to do something about it.
Any small things we see at your appointment, if not detected and treated early, may lead to the need for more complex treatment in the future.
At Gentle and Caring Dentistry in Maroubra, we want you to feel like your dental care is personalised, calm, and respectful to you. We see these small things not to criticise you, but to be able to provide better care for you. Your mouth is telling us about you. It’s our job to listen to it before it screams.
If you haven’t visited us for a while and/or are waiting for something to hurt before coming, please remember: the best dental care is done before you have pain.
Related Read: Dental Problems That Start Small but Should Never Be Ignored.
