When you visit Jamie C. Talley, DDS for a routine checkup, she will perform an oral exam. During the exam, she looks for signs of cavities and gum disease in your mouth, typically using a small mirror to see your teeth from different angles. Dr. Talley or the hygienist evaluates your risk for tooth decay, root decay, and gum or bone disease and will check your bite and jaw for any issues.

Your diet, hygiene habits, and need for fluoride treatment may be discussed as well to be sure you are well-informed of their importance and how they affect your dental health. If you have other lifestyle factors, like smoking or use of other tobacco products it is important to realize their impact on your oral health and may be part of the consultation.

Having regular oral exams is important for your dental health, of course, because of problems caused by letting a cavity or gum disease go untreated. However, keeping this habit can also help protect your body’s overall health.

Jamie C. Talley, DDS can recognize early signs and symptoms of certain diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or lupus by examining your mouth. Through Dr. Talley's professional’s recommendation to see your primary care physician, you may catch problems like these early, which is best.

The general recommendation for patients of all ages is to have a dental exam every six months. However, if you have certain conditions, like periodontal disease, your doctor will probably recommend more frequent visits to monitor the infection.