Visiting a dentist on a regular basis is an excellent way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Your dentist can use tools like X-rays and VELSCO to look for abnormalities in the mouth. They can also screen for tumors and jawbone damage. A routine checkup from Dental Pflugerville also prevents tooth decay and cavities.

X-rays can identify jawbone damage, bone decay, swelling, and tumors

X-rays can identify problems such as tumors, bone decay, and jawbone damage. The technology allows dentists and doctors to examine the interior structures of the body using three-dimensional images. The images are produced in light and dark hues, depending on which tissues are scanned. Soft tissues, like skin, allow the most X-ray penetration, and they show up darkly on the film. Bone and tumors, on the other hand, are very dense. A broken bone can appear as a dark line within white bone.

In some cases, jaw cancer is caused by a virus. This virus is spread through oral, anal, and vaginal sex. These viruses are responsible for up to 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the U.S., and the rate of these diseases is increasing. The virus can affect people of any age, and it is not necessary to have a history of cigarette smoking to be affected by it.

Oral cancer can be diagnosed and treated during its early stages

During a dental checkup, a dentist can detect any changes in the mouth or maxillofacial area that might indicate oral cancer. The majority of these lesions are benign, and early detection can save a person’s life. The dentist will check for lumps, sores, or other signs and symptoms.

Symptoms of oral cancer can include sore throat, difficulty moving your jaw, or numbness in your mouth. An annual oral cancer exam can detect early signs of cancer and help you receive proper treatment. This simple exam is painless and can take a few minutes. Most dentists perform these exams, and it is an important part of your dental health routine.

Routine check-ups can prevent tooth decay and cavities

Having regular check-ups at your dentist is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay and cavities. Dentists and dental hygienists keep an eye on your oral health and can detect problems early on. Visiting your dentist at least twice a year is important to prevent cavities and maintain good oral hygiene. It is also important to keep up with your dental hygiene and use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash.

In addition to cavities, a routine check-up will also help prevent oral cancer, which can be caught in its early stages and treated. During your dental checkup, your dentist will clean your teeth thoroughly to remove plaque. Getting your teeth cleaned professionally prevents plaque from building up and eventually turning into tartar.

They can screen for abnormalities in the mouth

There are several benefits to routine screening of the mouth during a dental checkup. For instance, a dentist can monitor the progression of tooth decay, and determine whether treatment is necessary. Additionally, screening allows dentists to monitor the health of patients with certain medical conditions, such as oral cancer.

If you suspect you may have oral cancer, a dentist may recommend further testing. These tests may not show anything cancerous, but they can identify pre-cancerous cells. Early detection reduces health risks associated with treatment.

They can prevent gum disease

A dental checkup helps dentists detect the early signs of gum disease, including gingivitis. Early intervention increases the chances of success. Fortunately, if gum disease is caught early, it is reversible. This is why it is critical to have a dental checkup at least twice a year.

Gum disease is usually caused by a combination of several risk factors. The most important risk factor is smoking, but other risk factors include hormonal changes in women and girls, certain medications, and genetic susceptibility. Some signs of gum disease include bad breath that won’t go away or receding gums. A dental checkup will also reveal if a pocket around the teeth is present. The depth of a healthy pocket should be between one and three millimeters.