How do you know if your getting the best check-up at the dentist? Most people don’t. In fact, the American Dental Association reports that many Americans with a gum infection don’t know they have one, even after seeing the dentist.“I would have been in tremendous, tremendous pain.” Gary Brooks believes thorough check-ups have spared him dental pain and improved his overall health.
“I mean there are a lot of things they do that you really don’t notice unless you ask," said Gary. Say, what are you doing? He’ll come in and say open, and inside or outside, he’ll be poking around.”
You may think a dental check-up identifies mostly cavities. But a complete dental exam can identify many other potential problems.
One critical problem? 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," says Dentist Dr. Gary Solomon. "And what they are looking for. And describe when things are good. And when things are not good. And what to do about it. The dentist should also explain consequences of each decision that patient is going to make. Should they choose to proceed with treatment or not proceed with treatment.”)
A thorough check-up also includes an oral cancer exam and a complete health history.
“And there are so many diseases that show up in the mouth," continued Dr. Solomon. "We need to know what each and every one of those are. And what medicines the person is on. So if the person is taking a lot of medicines, it’s a good idea to bring a list so the dentist can take a look and see what interplays and what has oral systemic side effects.”
Gary’s dentist also noticed signs of grinding and clenching.
“And we took impressions and I’m going to get a night guard.”
;)
The best dental examination will give you a complete picture of your oral health, which can affect your overall health. For more information, check out dentalhealthcheck.org. For Texas A&M Health Science Center, Baylor College of Dentistry, I’m Dr. Linda Niessen.
THE BROADCAST VIDEO
STORY: The Best Check-up
SCRIPT #855
AIRDATE: May - 2008
Writer/Producer/Editor: Sara Ivey
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