A dentist is a medical professional who specializes in oral healthcare. They have undergone extensive training to become experts in treating a range of mouth and gum conditions.
They focus on preventing tooth decay and gum disease (which ultimately affects more than 87 percent of the world’s population). Dental professionals are also skilled communicators, alerting patients to early symptoms like swollen or bleeding gums.
Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is a regular routine of brushing and flossing your teeth, along with other oral care. This keeps your mouth free from infection and makes it possible to eat a nutritious diet with healthy, bright teeth that complement your smile.
To become a dental hygienist, you’ll need to graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program and pass a written National Dental Hygiene Board exam and a clinical exam administered by your state. Then, you’ll need to get licensed in your state and begin practicing!
A good dental hygienist has patience, communication skills and dexterity. They’re also inquisitive and enjoy interacting with people. In addition, a dental hygienist must be able to tolerate blood, food debris and other unpleasant aspects of the profession. Many community colleges and vocational schools offer dental hygiene programs, though a bachelor’s degree is more common for those interested in research or teaching.
Diagnosis
Dentists aren’t just looking for cavities and gum disease during routine dental appointments. They also detect health conditions that can affect the body’s overall health, such as anemia.
Anemia is caused by a lack of red blood cells in the body. Dentists can identify this condition by examining the gums and tongue during an appointment.
Dentists can also detect acid reflux disease (GERD) which occurs when stomach acid leaks up into the esophagus. This may cause a burning sensation in the throat or chest pain. If a dentist spots a patient suffering from GERD they can refer them to a doctor for treatment.
Treatment
Having examined patients, dentists plan treatment to address their oral health concerns. They may remove a tooth, fill a cavity or replace it with a dental implant. They might also treat gum disease and other issues affecting the soft tissues in the mouth.
Dentists often teach patients good dental hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly and getting regular checkups to detect and treat problems early. This prevents them from worsening or becoming more serious, and it also helps patients avoid pain and discomfort down the road.
Besides restoring teeth and gums, dentists can also improve a patient’s smile with cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening or veneers. They can also correct misaligned teeth or bite problems by recommending orthodontic procedures, such as braces. Some dentists specialize in more complex dental work, such as crowns, bridges, dental implants and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). They can also restore a patient’s facial structure after cancer surgery or birth defects.
Prevention
Many dental problems start out small and become serious only if they aren’t treated in time. This is why preventive dentistry is so important. This includes things like teeth cleanings, oral hygiene instruction and oral cancer screenings. This allows dentists to identify potential issues before they become severe and costly.
Tooth decay, for example, is a major problem that can lead to tooth loss. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that damage the enamel of the teeth. Regular brushing, using a toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance and flossing can help reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Oral cancer is another serious dental problem that can affect any part of the mouth or throat. It can be prevented by avoiding tobacco products, limiting alcohol consumption, practicing safe sun exposure and getting vaccinations like the human papillomavirus (HPV).