Not everyone enjoys dental services, but timely dental care is essential for overall health — not only for teeth and the oral cavity, but for the entire body. It is important to visit a specialist regularly for prevention and treatment. If you are unsure when to see a dentist, self-examination can help. It allows you to determine whether you have cavities, holes in your teeth, painful areas in the mouth, or other visible issues. If you notice any alarming symptoms, you should visit a dentist as soon as possible to prevent the development of serious conditions.
How to make sure your oral cavity is healthy?
To check the condition of your mouth at home, it’s important to follow a simple step-by-step approach.
- Open your mouth wide and examine the inside of your cheeks. Gently pull the cheek aside with clean fingers. A healthy color is light pink. Severe redness, darkening, or spots may indicate a problem.
- Run your finger along the inside of the cheeks, checking for painful areas, rough spots, or hard lumps.
- Also examine the space between the teeth and the cheek. Any discoloration, thickening, or unusual changes are warning signs.
- Similarly, inspect the palate — visually examine the mucosa and gently palpate it to detect any lumps or painful areas.
- Check the floor of the mouth with your fingers to make sure there are no ulcers, bumps, or swelling.
If you notice any of these warning signs, seek medical attention as soon as possible. The earlier you act, the easier and less painful the treatment will be.
How to examine your teeth on your own?
A proper self-examination of your teeth involves several steps:
- Take a flashlight.
- Open your mouth wide.
- Carefully inspect each tooth from all sides using the light.
- If you notice any suspicious areas, gently touch them with a clean finger or the back of a spoon. Pain or discomfort is a signal that it’s time to visit a dentist.
- If you find significant plaque buildup, dark spots, signs of decay, or any other abnormalities, you should seek professional help promptly.
Remember that a dental check-up is the most reliable way to assess your oral health and ensure there are no hidden issues. A dentist will perform a visual examination, palpation, and professional diagnostics. If necessary, they will use specialized methods to detect not only cavities but also more serious oral health problems.
It is recommended to visit a dentist regularly for preventive care — at least once every 6–12 months — and to have professional teeth cleaning performed with the same frequency. This helps prevent the development of cavities and tartar buildup.
