During a routine dental visit, there are several things you should expect. The first is a deep cleaning of your teeth, which is often performed by a dental hygienist, and another thing is an examination of your mouth by the dentist. When the dentist examines your mouth, he or she will look for potential problems, and here are the top problems dentists look for during these examinations.

Sticky spots on teeth and visible decay

First of all, the dentist will look at all your teeth to see if there are any visible signs of decay. Decay is typically black in color, and visible decay means there is a cavity. Cavities do not start off this noticeable, though. Instead, they begin with a little bit of stickiness. A dentist can find this stickiness by poking a dental tool in the grooves and pits of your teeth. If the dentist senses stickiness in a tooth, it normally means that a cavity is just starting to form. If this is the case, your dentist might recommend a filling for the tooth, or he or she might recommend waiting for six months to see if the stickiness materializes into a cavity.

Signs of gum disease

Secondly, your dentist will look for signs of gum disease. Gum disease is an infection that leads to receding gum lines and many other problems, and your dentist is usually the first person to spot signs of gum disease. Signs of gum disease can include red gums, bleeding gums, and receding gums. If your dentist notices these signs, he or she may have you come back for a visit in a couple of months to check the signs, or the dentist might suggest treating the problem.

Sensitivity issues with teeth and gums

The other issue your dentist is concerned with is sensitivity you feel with your teeth and gums. Most people have some issues with sensitivity, but dentists are generally concerned with people have over sensitive gums and teeth. Sensitivity is a big issue to worry about, as it can indicate enamel erosion, gum disease, untreated oral problems, and other things, and your dentist will try to determine the cause of the sensitivity you are experiencing if you have overly sensitive teeth.

These are three of the top problems your dentist will look for and be concerned with. If you need to schedule an appointment with a dentist, you can do so by calling a clinic like Ramtown Dental Associates.