At Ashland Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we carefully review your oral health, review your digital x-rays and perform an exam to check the health of your teeth, the supporting bone and soft tissues, and the surrounding areas of the mouth, head, and neck. We will look for any signs of clenching or grinding your teeth and assess your TMJ function. We will take a note of any dental restorations such as fillings or crowns to make sure they are in good shape. Oral exams can also be used to identify a specific issue in one particular area of the mouth, such as, pain, swelling, broken teeth, or other dental problems. A comprehensive oral exam can also reveal the consequences that certain dietary choices, eating disorders, medications, harmful habits, and inadequate oral hygiene practices may have on your smile.