This includes both advice and instruction aimed at preventing disease of the teeth and soft tissue in the mouth, as well as routine screening for early detection of disease. Early detection of cancer in the mouth can be life saving, and is one of the major motivations for regular examinations.
Prevention mostly consists of advice/instruction to both child and parent regarding cleaning and diet, aimed at reducing decay over a lifetime. Newly emerged permanent teeth may be sealed to delay onset of fissure decay.
We find decay usually less prevalent, but periodontal disease, which is disease of firstly the soft tissue around the tooth, and following from that also the bone supporting the tooth, become more important. Even though it is entirely preventable in most cases through good oral Hygiene and early detection of symptoms, it still prevalent in the UK, one reason being that it can be symptomless to the patient.
A very important part of routine examinations is inspecting the soft tissue, including the tongue and cheeks, for signs of changes in appearance which could indicate cancer. Cancer of the mouth floor still has a very poor five year survival rate, and early detection can make all the difference. This becomes even more important for smokers and users of alcohol.