A dental examination shows how healthy your mouth is. After your examination, we will discuss the results with you and plan the best way to deal with any problems.

Regular thorough examinations mean that we can spot problems and correct them before the treatment becomes complicated, we can help you to look after your mouth and prevent future problems.

Your examination may take longer if you are visiting our practice for the first time.

As well as looking in your mouth, we may ask you some questions, the exact questions depending on what the dentist sees. These may include the following:

• Why have you come for an examination?
• Have you had any problems such as pain or sensitivity?
• How good is your general health and are you taking any medicines? - These can both affect your dental care.
• What are your eating habits? - Sugary snacks and drinks can cause tooth decay, but a balanced diet is good for your general health and resistance to disease.
• How do you clean your teeth? - Correct cleaning helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
• Do you smoke and how much alcohol do you drink? - Both can harm your mouth as well as your general health.

We will:

• Look at your face and neck to see that they are healthy.
• Feel under your jaw.
• Look inside your mouth, at your tongue, your cheeks and lips, the roof of your mouth and the back of your throat.
These are places where there might be a problem that you cannot see or feel.
• Look at your teeth and gums to see whether they are healthy and if there are signs of decay, damage or gum disease. For children, we will also check tooth and jaw development to see if orthodontic treatment may be required now or in the future.
• Compare your mouth to how it was when we last saw you.
• Decide if X-rays or plaster models of your bite pattern are needed to supply further information.
• Tell you about any treatment you may need, explaining the choices and whether there will be any cost.