Dentists check their patients’ jaws for several important reasons during regular dental exams. Some key reasons why your dentist carefully examines your jaw are to check for signs of dental issues, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD), and other health conditions that can manifest in the jaw.
To check for dental issues
One of the main reasons dentists thoroughly examine patients’ jaws is to check for any signs of dental problems. Your jaw is closely connected to your teeth and gums, so issues with your teeth/gums can affect your jawbone, alignment, mobility, and comfort.
Dentists will check for:
- Tooth decay – Cavities and tooth decay can damage jawbone.
- Gum disease – Periodontal disease affects jawbone density.
- Poor alignment – Misaligned teeth can strain the jaw.
- Missing teeth – This can impact chewing and bite strength.
- Loose teeth – Loose teeth negatively affect the jawbone.
- Cracks/chips in teeth – Damage to teeth can throw off the bite.
Finding and treating dental problems early optimizes long-term jaw health and function.
To check for temporomandibular joint disorder
Doctors also examine patients’ jaws to screen for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD/TMJ). This condition affects the temporomandibular joints that connect the jawbone to the skull and the muscles involved in jaw movement.
TMJ disorder can cause:
- Pain in the jaw joints or muscles
- Limited jaw mobility
- Clicking, popping, or grinding noises when moving the jaw
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Changes in the bite
If TMJ is suspected, dentists will check for issues like jaw tenderness, misalignment, impaired range of motion, and click/pop sounds in the jaw joints. Early intervention can help manage TMJ before it worsens.
To identify signs of other health conditions
The jaw and mouth can offer important clues about a person’s overall health. Dentists inspect patients’ jaws to help spot potential signs of various systemic diseases and conditions, including:
- Osteoporosis – Loss of jawbone density may indicate osteoporosis.
- Diabetes – Gum disease is linked to higher diabetes risk.
- Sleep apnea – Enlarged tissues in the mouth can obstruct breathing.
- Cancer – Lumps or growths may be cancerous.
- Eating disorders – Tooth enamel erosion suggests purging.
- Nutritional deficiencies – The jawbone requires nutrients to stay healthy.
Identifying symptoms early through a comprehensive oral exam creates an opportunity for patients to get the care they need for a variety of health problems that manifest in the mouth and jaw region.
What does a dentist look for when examining the jaw?
Dentists use a combination of visualization, palpation, and diagnostic tools to thoroughly assess the temporomandibular joint and surrounding structures. Here is an overview of what they look for:
- Symmetry – The jaw should align properly and be even on both sides.
- Bone density – Healthy jawbones feel firm vs. soft.
- Lumps/bumps – These could indicate cysts, tumors, etc.
- Popping/clicking – Noises when opening jaw may signal TMJ issues.
- Range of motion – Jaw mobility should be smooth and unhindered.
- Pain/tenderness – This can accompany TMJ, gum disease, decay, etc.
Dentists may also analyze dental X-rays to visualize the jawbone and temporomandibular joint for problems. They can use computed tomography (CT) scans for a more detailed 3D view of the jaw region if needed.
What happens during a jaw examination?
A dentist’s examination of your jaw will involve the following components:
Observation
The dentist will first visually inspect your jaw area to note:
- Alignment and symmetry
- Skin integrity – No swelling, lesions, etc.
- Muscle tone and size
- Mouth opening wideness
Palpation
The dentist will then feel specific areas of your jaw and face using their fingers to check for:
- Swelling
- Lumps or growths
- TMJ clicking, popping, or grinding
- Pain or tenderness
Mobility assessment
You’ll be asked to open and close your mouth so the dentist can evaluate:
- Jaw range of motion
- Smoothness of motion
- Presence of drifting or deviation
- Alignment of top and bottom teeth when biting down
Intraoral examination
The dentist will examine the inside of your mouth, teeth, gums, tongue, etc. to look for:
- Oral cancer screening
- Swelling
- Ulcers
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
Radiographic imaging (X-rays)
Dental X-rays allow dentists to visualize issues with jawbones, joints, and teeth roots below the gums. Some key things X-rays detect:
- Bone loss
- Cysts
- Impacted teeth
- Fractures
- TMJ abnormalities
Why is it important to have your jaw checked regularly?
Having a dentist perform a thorough jaw examination at least annually (or as recommended) provides several benefits:
- Detect hidden dental issues – X-rays can reveal developing problems.
- Diagnose TMJ early – Fast treatment improves outcomes.
- Evaluate bone health – Jaw exams indicate osteoporosis risk.
- Pinpoint signs of diseases – Oral exams aid overall health.
- Establish a baseline – Comparisons identify changes over time.
- Ensure proper bite alignment – Misalignments negatively impact jaw joints.
Keeping up with regular comprehensive jaw exams safeguards both dental and general health. Any concerning findings can then be promptly investigated and managed.
What problems can develop if jaw issues are left untreated?
Leaving problems with the jaw unaddressed can allow them to worsen over time and lead to additional oral health and functional complications. Potential consequences of untreated jaw issues include:
- Progressive TMJ damage – The joints and surrounding structures degenerate.
- Loss of teeth – Decay, disease, and trauma take their toll.
- Bone deterioration – The jawbone weakens without treatment.
- Malocclusion – The bite becomes misaligned.
- Chronic pain – Jaw pain persists and intensifies.
- Limited mobility – Jaw movement becomes more restricted.
- Sleep apnea – Airway issues may develop.
- Chewing impairment – Food intake and nutrition suffer.
In addition to orthodontic specialists, dentists play a key role in detecting and managing jaw disorders before substantial permanent damage occurs. Ongoing jaw exams are a crucial piece of maintaining oral health.
Conclusion
Dentists thoroughly check patients’ jaws during routine exams for several important reasons. Monitoring the temporomandibular joint and surrounding structures allows dentists to pick up on dental problems, screen for TMJ issues, and identify signs of systemic diseases early on.
Careful jaw evaluations involve observing, feeling, taking X-rays, and analyzing jaw movement and alignment. Regular comprehensive exams are essential for protecting both dental and overall health. Jaw problems left unaddressed can worsen over time and cause chronic pain, loss of function, and other complications.
Being vigilant with professional jaw screenings provides the best chance of catching problems at treatable stages. If any concerns are found, patients can then work with their dentist to pursue proper diagnosis and treatment. Keeping up with regular dental visits that include thorough jaw checks is a key part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums as well as identifying potentially serious medical conditions.