Oral Health Check Brenchley

At Brenchley Dental, our mission is to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for our patients, focusing on preventive care to ensure healthy teeth and oral well-being. Recognising the significance of regular professional care in maintaining optimal oral health, we encourage our patients to schedule regular oral health check-ups with our hygienists. Our thorough assessments encompass every aspect of good oral health, enabling early detection of potential issues and minimising the need for extensive treatments. By prioritising preventative care for our patients, we aim to instil confidence in every patient and ensure long-term oral health.

Medical History

We will ask about your overall health and check that any elements or medication are not impacting your oral health.

Mouth Cancer Screening

Early detection is vital for the successful treatment of mouth cancer. Every patient receives a screening at their regular oral health check. Any lumps or other abnormal areas in the mouth, jaw or neck.

These may include changes in texture, the colour of the gums, inner cheeks or tongue. Changes could have several causes, including:

An infection

Trauma

Oral cancer

A condition that could lead to cancer

Your dentist may be able to diagnose your condition; if not, you may be referred to a specialist for further investigation.

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Brenchley Dental

Assessing Your Teeth and Joints

What We Do

What We Do

    • We check the alignment of your jaw joints; missing teeth can lead to dysfunctional jaw joints
    • We check how your teeth meet and function as you chew, known as your “bite” or occlusion
    • We identify any problems which could arise from poor occlusion – such as broken or worn teeth, or headaches
    • We check for signs that you may be clenching or grinding your teeth, as long-term damage can occur
    • We look for dental decay (caries). We check that your teeth are still robust and sturdy and that there is no damage to fillings or other repairs such as crowns, bridges or veneers
    • We look for signs of erosion and abrasion from fizzy drinks or excessive tooth brushing
    • The teeth are checked for problems that can arise in these hard-to-access areas
    • We Look for signs of dry mouth (xerostomia), which can impact oral health

What Our Patients Say

Assessment of Gum Health and Periodontal Disease

Evaluating gum health is a pivotal part of our oral health check-up. Our assessments include examining your gums’ colour, texture, size, and to differentiate between healthy and diseased gum tissue. Measurements of spaces between teeth and gums are taken to assess gum attachment. Signs such as loose or shifting teeth, persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, or gum recession are carefully observed as potential indicators of gum disease or related issues. If concerns arise regarding gum health, we may refer you to a hygienist for specialised oral hygiene maintenance or a periodontist, a gum disease specialist.

Here's What Your Dentist Will Evaluate During a Periodontal Examination:

  • Colour
  • Texture
  • Size
  • Gum shape
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Oral Health Check

Receding Gums

Usually, the roots of your teeth are covered by gum tissue. Many factors, however, may cause the gums to recede. These include inflammation, poorly positioned teeth and aggressive brushing. Teeth with exposed roots can have several problems:

  • Sensitivity to changes in temperature
  • Increased risk of decay
  • Unattractive appearance

How much plaque is on your teeth? If any plaque is present, this will be detected, and methods of managing this will be discussed with you

Did you know that gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in the UK?

Considerations and Contraindications

Certain lifestyle factors and medical conditions can affect the success of dental implants. Heavy smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, uncontrolled diabetes, and other health issues may interfere with the implant’s integration into the jawbone.

For those considering dental implants, discussing your medical history and lifestyle with your dentist is essential. They will conduct a comprehensive assessment to ensure that implants are a viable option and the best course of action for your dental health.

Comprehensive Examination for Oral Health

During your visit, our dedicated team conducts a comprehensive examination that includes an evaluation of your medical history. We consider your overall health and assess if any elements or medications might cause risks your oral health. Additionally, every patient undergoes a crucial mouth cancer screening during their regular oral health check. Our screening process involves checking for abnormal areas or lumps in the mouth, jaw, or neck and observing changes in gum texture, inner cheeks, or tongue colour. Early detection is critical for successful treatment, and any concerning findings prompt immediate attention or referral to a specialist for further evaluation.

Thorough Assessment

Our assessment extends to evaluating the alignment of your jaw joints and assessing the functionality of your teeth as you bite, known as your “bite” or occlusion. We identify any potential problems arising from a poor bite, such as worn or broken teeth and examine signs of teeth grinding or clenching that could lead to long-term damage. We conduct comprehensive checks for dental decay, ensuring the stability of your dental restorations and scrutinising any erosion or abrasion caused by factors like fizzy drinks or excessive tooth brushing. Our examination thoroughly inspects hard-to-access areas for potential dental issues, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health status.

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Brenchley Dental

Book an Appointment

Are you interested in an oral health check? If so, please call our dental practice in Brenchley to book an appointment with one of our experienced local dentists. We offer finance options too, so if you’re worried about cost, don’t be. We will do our very best to help you.

FAQs

We recommend regular oral health check-ups. The frequency does depend on the individual, but your dentist will advise you on the appropriate schedule tailored to your oral health status.

During a mouth cancer screening, your dentist thoroughly examines the mouth, jaw, and neck for any abnormal areas, lumps, or changes in tissue texture or colour. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, and any concerning findings prompt immediate attention or referral to a specialist.

X-rays provide detailed insights into oral structures not visible during a regular examination. They help detect underlying issues such as bone quality, decay, and gum disease. Digital radiographs are taken periodically to monitor changes and track treatment progress.

Indicators of gum disease may include persistent bad breath, bleeding gums during brushing or assessment, changes in gum colour or texture, gum recession, loose or shifting teeth, and discomfort while chewing. Prompt evaluation and treatment are essential for gum health.

Assessing the alignment of jaw joints, functionality of teeth during chewing, signs of teeth grinding or clenching, decay, erosion, and dental restorations ensure a comprehensive understanding of oral health. This examination helps detect issues early, preventing potential long-term dental problems.