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Who are dentists?

Dentists are healthcare professionals who are taught how to prevent, diagnose, and treat concerns of the teeth and mouth. In short, they can be called teeth experts. They understand the relationship between teeth and other body parts and how oral problems affect other organs. By detecting issues in the mouth, they are, at times, the first doctors to diagnose the presence of other systemic conditions in the body.

One of the most critical roles dentists play in the community is educating people about the need and benefits of maintaining oral hygiene and how to practice it daily. To prevent cavities from forming, dentists fill the surfaces of teeth with dental sealants. They use brushes, scalpels, mouth mirrors, and X-ray machines to detect problems in teeth, gums, and jaw bones.

Dentists are medical experts in performing a wide range of oral treatments, such as filling cavities, repairing damaged teeth, extracting teeth with irreversible damage, and using braces to align teeth. They also have deep knowledge in administering anesthesia for surgical procedures on the teeth, gums, and jaw bones. They routinely monitor the growth of teeth and jaw bones. They wear protective equipment like masks, gloves, and safety glasses while performing dental examinations and surgeries to prevent the spread of germs.

Dentists often work with a team, which includes vital team members such as dental assistants, lab technicians, and dental hygienists. They practice in various settings, such as private practices, hospitals, and community health centers.

When should you visit a dentist near you?

Some common reasons to visit dentists include preventive care, oral pain treatment, and oral hygiene maintenance during various phases of life. Dentists and dental hygienists play the most crucial role in helping patients prevent oral health problems by checking the mouth for signs of simple issues such as plaque, decay, and gum problems and complex problems like misaligned teeth or jaw bones and early signs of oral cancer. They give valuable tips to their patients on maintaining oral hygiene at home and self-monitoring for any changes in the mouth.

Dentists are the right experts for managing pain, swelling, or bleeding in the teeth, gums, jaw, mouth, face, and neck because they best understand the connections between these body parts. They have all the tools to diagnose and treat problems in this region. Issues with chewing and swallowing food also come under the purview of dentists.

They also play a vital role in guiding patients in specific situations, such as pregnant women, patients with habits such as smoking and consuming tobacco, and people having long-term chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney conditions, and hypertension. Dentists coordinate with primary care doctors to monitor and treat oral problems in these patients.

The standard recommendation is to schedule a dental check-up every six months to prevent oral diseases from developing. Timely dental check-ups can also help detect and treat existing dental issues before they worsen.

Education and training requirements of dentists in the U.S.

The journey to becoming a dentist in the U.S. involves completing the following steps:

1. Four years of an undergraduate degree in a related sciences field, such as chemistry, biology, math, or health
2. Four years of dental school to earn either a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree
3. One to three years of postgraduate residency in a dental subspecialty
4. Earning a board certification by clearing the National Board Dental Examination

Subsequently, they may choose to become experts in a particular area of dentistry. They can opt for one of the following: 

• Endodontics: The focus of endodontics is to detect and treat issues in the dental pulp with root canal treatments and surgical root procedures.
• Periodontics: These doctors primarily help patients with problems in the gums and jawbone.
• Prosthodontics: This field of dentistry deals with replacing damaged and broken teeth with removable or fixed dentures.
• Pedodontics: This area is focused on dealing with oral problems in kids and adolescents.
• Oral and maxillofacial radiology: These radiologists take and interpret dental X-rays and help detect all types of oral diseases. 
• Oral and maxillofacial pathology: These experts help diagnose dental conditions by studying the microscopic composition of dental tissues in the laboratory.
• Oral and maxillofacial medicine: Dentists specializing in oral and maxillofacial medicine research the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases such as candidiasis, lichen planus, aphthous stomatitis, and oral cancer.
• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics focus on detecting and treating misaligned teeth and jaws with braces and surgeries.
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery: These surgeons perform various surgeries in the mouth and facial regions. The procedures range from simple, such as extracting impacted teeth and complicated extractions, to complex situations, such as jaw surgeries for dentofacial abnormalities, removal of oral tissues affected with cancer, and cosmetic surgical procedures in the mouth and face region.
• Community dentistry: Dentists specializing in community dentistry primarily focus on preventative care by creating awareness among patients and their communities about oral hygiene, infection management, etc.

What are some common dental issues?

Most dentists recommend adopting certain dental hygiene practices such as brushing twice, flossing daily, eating a healthy diet, and having regular check-ups to prevent recurring dental issues. They also encourage spreading awareness about various dental conditions and their causative reasons, which can help avoid any possible health issue. Following are some common dental problems one must be aware of:

• Bad breath: Scientifically known as halitosis, it is an awkward oral issue. In most cases, an underlying dental condition can cause smelly breath. It can be gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, dry mouth, or bacteria on the tongue. 
• Cavities or tooth decay: Cavities are the second most common health condition in the United States. They occur when plaque combines with sugars and starches in your food. The resulting product produces acids that attack the tooth enamel. Dry mouth, aging, and normal enamel erosion can cause cavities.
• Periodontal disease: An infection in the gums of the teeth is known as periodontal or gum disease. It is a prominent cause of adult tooth loss. Diabetes, dry mouth, and smoking are significant risk factors. The symptoms include bad breath, swollen and bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, and chewing pain.
• Oral cancer: Oral cancer is a severe and deadly disorder commonly occurring in people aged 40 and above, but it can occur in younger people, too. It is often curable if diagnosed and treated in earlier stages. Smoking or chewing tobacco, alcohol abuse, and human papillomavirus (HPV) are the most prominent risk factors. Standard mouth or throat cancer symptoms include sores, lumps, or difficulty chewing or moving your tongue or jaw.
• Mouth sores: Mouth ulcers can be of many types and are very bothersome. Unless they last more than two weeks, they are not a significant cause of concern. Common forms of mouth sores include canker sores (triggered by varying causes), fever blisters or cold sores (caused by herpes simplex virus), and thrush (caused by yeast infection).
• Tooth erosion: This is caused by acid attacking the enamel, resulting in the loss of tooth structure.
• Tooth sensitivity: Sensitivity in teeth is a common issue that involves pain and discomfort from sweets, cold air, hot or cold beverages, and ice cream.
• Toothaches and dental emergencies include a broken or cracked tooth, an abscessed (pus) tooth, or accidental tooth loss.

How often should you visit a dentist?

Choosing the ideal frequency for dental check-ups is more than just a one-size-fits-all proposition. It involves considering several factors that play into your unique situation, such as:

• Lifestyle: If you frequently consume alcohol or smoke, your dental needs might require more frequent visits. Many researchers underscore that those who regularly drink alcohol face a tripled risk of permanent tooth loss compared to the national average in the United States. Likewise, tobacco usage and oral ailments are closely linked.
• Inherent factors: Certain aspects of your dental health are beyond your control and personal to you. For instance, if you're susceptible to cavities, you must adopt extra measures to fend them off. Likewise, a family history of specific oral conditions warrants heightened attention from your dentist.
• Diligence: Your commitment to your oral hygiene profoundly impacts your dental health. Consistent dedication to keeping your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy reduces the necessity for frequent dental appointments.
• Accessibility: While preventive measures are instrumental in upholding oral hygiene, easy access to essential products and services can determine the need for frequent dental check-ups. Overcoming barriers to obtaining what's necessary to maintain oral health is pivotal.
• Changes in oral sensations: Any unusual experiences or pain in your mouth must prompt an immediate visit to a nearby dentist who can diagnose and effectively treat any oral problem before it turns detrimental to your overall health.

While all these factors affect the frequency of your visit to your friendly neighborhood dentist, as a general rule, you should schedule an appointment with the best dentist near you twice a year for preventive and precautionary dental care.

What should you expect during your first dentist visit?

A visit to the dentist doesn't have to be a nerve-wracking experience. Dental professionals, including dentists and hygienists, are dedicated to making your office visit as comfortable as possible. However, having a clear picture of what lies beyond those doors can be reassuring.

When your dental cleaning session begins, the hygienist will ensure your comfort by draping a protective cloth over your chest and offering eye shields for added safety. Employing a range of tools, which might include metal and ultrasonic devices, they will meticulously remove plaque and tartar from each tooth and along your gumline. This comprehensive process also involves flossing between your teeth to ensure thorough cleanliness.

Please let the hygienist know if you feel discomfort or jaw pain during cleaning. You can take breaks if needed. After removing the buildup, the hygienist will instruct you to rinse your mouth thoroughly. After a final rinse, you might need X-rays once a year to catch any potential issues early.

After the cleaning, the dentist will come in for a thorough exam. They'll check each tooth and look for gaps between your teeth and gums. They might use a periodontal probe tool to find problems and measure the depth of gum pockets. The hygienist will often take notes in your chart during this time. Lastly, the dentist will talk to you about the condition of your teeth and discuss what steps to take next.

Which foods are bad for your teeth? 

Certain foods and beverages can cause plaque buildup, eventually causing cavity formation and tooth decay. While you need not avoid these foods, eating them in moderation can help prevent tooth erosion. 

Some common foods considered bad for your teeth include the following:

• Sodas and sweet beverages: All carbonated drinks, including diet sodas, contain sugar, which allows plaque to produce more acid in the mouth, leading to tooth enamel erosion. Sodas also tend to dry the mouth, leading to lesser saliva production and triggering the decay process.
• Sweet, sticky, and sour candies contain added sugars that feed harmful bacteria in the mouth and break down the enamel. Sour candies may also contain acids that are tougher on the teeth. Sticky candies tend to remain on the teeth if not brushed out properly. These factors lead to cavity formation and tooth decay.
• Sugary cereal and baked goods: These products contain high sugar, which may not be the best way to start the day. Instead of eating ready-to-eat breakfasts and cereals, you can switch to a low-sugar breakfast like oatmeal and fruit.
• Refined foods and white bread: When we chew bread, the saliva in our mouth breaks down the starches into sugar, which can cause cavities. Furthermore, starchy foods tend to get stuck between teeth, so less refined carbs, like whole grains, are a better choice.
• Citrus fruit juices include lemon, grapefruit, and orange juice containing vitamin C. Even though these are healthy to consume, citrus juices are highly acidic, and this can cause the tooth enamel to erode. Rinsing the mouth after drinking acidic fruit juices can help avoid cavities.
• Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can dry out the mouth and lessen saliva production, which is required to wash away food particles and prevent them from sticking to teeth.

Finding the best dentists near you in Arlington, Virginia

To find a dentist best suited to help you with your problems, visit the Zocdoc website and enter your details like the reason for a consultation with a dentist (your symptoms or condition), the type of dentist you wish to see, current location, date and time for a preferred appointment, and medical insurance. Zocdoc allows you to filter through dentists listed on its database based on individual requirements. Once you fill in the details, Zocdoc will present you with a curated list of the best dentists near you, and you can learn more about each by clicking on their names.

All dentists on Zocdoc have a profile page listing all the essential details you need. The profile includes details on dentists' educational background, years of training, area of specialization, certifications and fellowships completed, license validity, affiliations, accreditation, and accomplishments. The profile also tells you about the care providers' practice and preferences, like places, days, and times they provide consultations, their languages, their gender, any conditions they have extensive experience in, and if they specialize in treating children.

With Zocdoc, you can make both in-person and online appointments. Depending on the dentist's availability, you can choose your slot a day before, on the same day, or even a few hours earlier.

Zocdoc has the resources to solve your insurance-related queries as well. Select your current medical insurance policy and plan from the drop-down menu on Zocdoc, which lists all the major insurance companies in the U.S. The application will immediately tell you which dentist near you is in-network or, to put it in simpler terms, who would accept your insurance. Additionally, you can upload your insurance card securely and without any hassle. Zocdoc prioritizes your privacy and security and follows the industry's best practices to safeguard your information. You can read more about how Zocdoc handles data and privacy and check out Zocdoc's patient help center for answers to any further insurance-related queries.

All bookings on Zocdoc are fast, free, and secure! 

Oral health statistics in Arlington, Virginia 

According to the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics report published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2021, around 4,880 general dentists were practicing in Virginia. The report also stated that about 110 were oral and maxillofacial surgeons, 210 were orthodontists, and 60 were other dentists who practiced various other subspecialties. It also mentioned that Virginia had nearly 5,040 certified dental hygienists and roughly 7,900 licensed dental assistants in May 2021. According to America's Health Rankings, in 2022, there were approximately 60.8 dentists in Virginia for every 100,000 people.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) figures, in 2020, nearly 70% of adults went for a dental consultation. In addition, about 29.8% of adults over 65 lost six or more teeth, and around 11.3% of adults over 65 lost all their natural teeth during the year due to oral problems.

The American Cancer Society reported that, in 2022, there were 1,370 estimated new cases and 230 estimated deaths from oral and pharyngeal cancer. The same report stated that between 2014 and 2018, the incidence rate for oral and pharyngeal cancers for every 100,000 people was approximately 11.3, and the death rate between 2015 and 2019 was nearly 2.4.

Sources

WebMD[1]

WebMD[2]

WebMD[3]

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

America's Health Rankings

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

American Cancer Society

Verywell Health

Healthline[1]

Healthline[2]

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.