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You sit back in the chair. The light swings overhead. Your dentist leans in and within seconds, before a single question is asked or a tool is even picked up, they already have a picture forming. Most patients never think about this. They assume the exam starts when the dentist starts poking around. In reality, the assessment begins the moment your mouth opens. What are they actually seeing? And what does it mean for your oral health and your overall health? If you live in Eugene and you’ve been putting off a dental cleaning and exam, this might be the article that changes your mind. Not because it’s scary but because knowing what your dentist sees could genuinely save your teeth.