Dentists - When do you need to see one?
A dentist treats many oral health issues, such as bad breath, toothache, or receding gums. Periodontics, orthodontics, prosthodontics, and endodontics are some of the specialties in dentistry.
When scheduling a dental visit, there is no hard and fast rule. ADA recommends that we see a dentist at least once a year. However, regular checkups every six months can further help prevent oral problems. Taking good care of your teeth and mouth is essential. It can help you avoid a slew of issues down the road. For example, waiting until a toothache becomes unbearable before being examined is unnecessary. If you have trouble chewing or face other problems, scheduling a checkup with a dentist near you is the right step. Being proactive now can help you avoid gum disease or other dental issues.
Dentistry is a collaborative effort. Every dentist seeks to provide thorough, accessible, and efficient dental care to patients. The team at a dental clinic often consists of technicians, assistants, and hygienists. The dentist holds a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.
What are the specializations within dentistry?
Various subspecialties within dentistry provide patients with the best care and rehabilitation. Mentioned below is a list of subspecialties authorized by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialities and Certifying Boards:
- Dental anesthesiology manages pain, anxiety, and overall patient health during dental, oral, maxillofacial, and supplementary surgical or diagnostic procedures throughout the perioperative period.
- Dental public health is a specialty that helps prevent dental disorders through organized community efforts. These dental specialists identify critical oral health issues and formulate effective strategies to overcome them.
- Endodontics is a field of dentistry that focuses on issues affecting the soft dental pulp inside the tooth. The pulp of the tooth consists of nerve tissue and blood vessels. A root canal is a standard teeth-saving procedure practiced by endodontists.
- Oral and maxillofacial pathology specialists diagnose diseases of the mouth, teeth, and surrounding regions.
- Oral and maxillofacial radiology's field of specialization focuses on performing X-rays and other imaging techniques and scans to diagnose and manage oral disorders. These imaging studies help dentists in developing effective treatment plans for their patients.
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery provides surgical interventions for mouth-related diseases and injuries. It mainly focuses on the treatment of oral cancer and other head and neck cancers.
- Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics specialists correct dental and facial irregularities. It involves correcting misaligned teeth and jaws with the help of orthotic devices such as braces, aligners, retainers, etc.
- Periodontics focuses on treating diseases related to the gum tissues and the periodontal ligament and bone supporting the teeth. Often, cavities can erode the gums and cause bone loss, requiring the care of a periodontist.
- Prosthodontics is a specialty that provides facilities for restoring natural teeth and oral structures with artificial devices like dentures or replacing missing teeth.
When should you visit the dentist?
Dental checkups are essential for maintaining perfect oral health. Patients are generally recommended to see a dentist once every six months for a routine cleaning and examination. Depending on a patient's oral health needs, the frequency of dental visits may vary. Patients with a gum problem or other oral health conditions may need to see a dentist more often for ongoing treatment.
If you are experiencing discomfort in your mouth, you must see a dentist as soon as possible. Delaying proper dental treatment can lead to more severe problems. If you have concerns about your oral health, fix an appointment with a dentist near you.
What can dentists treat?
Like any other medical professional, dentists undergo intensive training and need a license to practice. They are highly experienced professionals who can diagnose and treat various dental problems. In addition, proactive dental treatment can help prevent diseases from progressing or even occurring in the first place.
Common conditions requiring dental care include bleeding or recessed gums, mouth sores, dry mouth, bad breath, sensitivity, cavities, and infections.
Tips for good oral health
With proper practices, good oral health can last for a lifetime. Enjoying your favorite foods when your teeth and gums are healthy is much easier. Several variables can influence the health of your mouth. Here are some ways to take care of your teeth and gums:
- Maintain proper dental hygiene: Brushing teeth twice daily and flossing once daily can help avoid dental plaque.
- Stop smoking: Aside from the numerous adverse effects smoking has on one's physical health, it is also one of the most severe threats to one's dental health.
- Dental checkups: Visit your dentist more than once yearly to ensure everything is in order.
Common dental problems
- Tooth decay that has not been treated. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over one-quarter of adults (26%) have untreated tooth decay in the United States.
- Gum disease affects the teeth and supporting structures. The CDC stated that over half (46%) of people aged 30 or older had some signs of gum disease, and severe gum disease affected roughly 9% of adults in the U.S.
- Tooth loss is a common problem. Complete tooth loss has consistently decreased among persons aged 65 to 74 years. However, there are still inequalities among specific population groups.
- Oral cancer is more common in older persons, especially those over the age of 55 who smoke and consume a lot of alcohol.
- Various chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, liver conditions, obesity, and emphysema have adverse effects on an individual's oral health.
However, children, too, are vulnerable to dental problems. Cavities (often referred to as tooth decay or caries) are one of the most frequent chronic pediatric disorders in the United States. Cavities that go untreated can cause a lot of discomfort and infections. It may be a massive hindrance in a child's day-to-day life. According to the CDC, at least one untreated decaying tooth affects one out of every five youngsters aged 5 to 11.
Lesser-known dental conditions
The following unique dental conditions underscore the importance of seeking timely dental care to address potential issues before they worsen:
- Oral thrush - This is a fungal infection resulting from an excessive growth of Candida albicans in the mouth. Those with dry mouth, dentures, or existing bacterial infections are more at risk of developing this condition. It is more commonly seen in children and older adults. There are several symptoms of oral thrush, like white patches on the tongue or a white coating covering the tongue’s surface.
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) - Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) occur when a problem with the jaw joint’s muscles, ligaments, or discs can impair jaw movement. Teeth grinding, arthritis, or uneven bite alignment are common risk factors for this condition.
- Hyperdontia - Hyperdontia is characterized by having more teeth than normal, leading to overcrowding and improper alignment of permanent teeth. Children with this condition may experience misaligned jaws as their mouths adjust to accommodate extra teeth. Early removal of surplus teeth is typically recommended to prevent complications like jaw misalignment or other dental issues.
- Geminated teeth - Geminated teeth occur when a single tooth root gives rise to two teeth, which can create crowding and gaps between teeth. This can lead to tooth decay or damage to the crown. Prompt dental intervention is crucial to managing this condition.
- Burning mouth syndrome - It is a rare condition often linked to overcrowded teeth, especially during early development. It can lead to misaligned teeth, gum problems, and reduced bone support due to limited space for nerve tissues to develop. Extraction of excess teeth may be necessary to prevent long-term complications.
How do you choose a top-rated dentist near you in Atlanta?
Choosing the right doctor is an essential part of health care. Unless you feel at ease with your doctor, you may only discuss some of your concerns. Most people have a preconceived notion that dental visits are uncomfortable and daunting. However, with the right dentist, the examination can go smoothly and without complications.
Zocdoc can help you make the most of your visits and appointments. Our provider profiles present everything there is to know about the doctor, including their qualifications, clinical interests, customer reviews, and ratings. The profiles guide you in making an informed decision to select the best dentist near you in Atlanta, GA.
Zocdoc allows you to find dentists who accept your insurance and reduce your out-of-pocket expenditure. If your insurance plan doesn’t appear on Zocdoc, you can upload a photo of your medical insurance card (note that this feature isn’t available for dental or vision cards). Zocdoc will analyze the image to determine and display your probable plan. If you encounter any issues during the uploading process, the Zocdoc support team is ready to help. If you have any more queries about insurance, go through our patient help center page.
Zocdoc has been instrumental in helping people from all across the country find the best and most affordable medical care within their area. It's simple, safe, and free, as the motto says!
Dental health statistics in Georgia
The American Dental Association states that in 2021, 43.3 percent of people in the U.S. said they had seen a dentist in the past twelve months. While 50% of children between 0 to 18 years went for a dental visit in the past year, only 38.7% of adults between 19 and 64 sought dental care.
The report also indicated that the high cost, fear of dentists, and unavailability of dentists in their location were some of the main reasons people avoided getting their teeth checked. More specifically, 59% of the adults found dental care too expensive, while 22% of the population said they were too afraid to consult one.
In a report by the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce published in 2022, in the state of Georgia, 5,212 dentists were practicing in 2021. Between 2019 and 2021, the number of dentists practicing in Georgia increased by 96, representing a 1.3% increase from 2019.
The report also stated that in 2021, 75.7% of dentists practiced general dentistry. The remaining specialized in other forms, such as orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics (6.2%), pediatric dentistry 5.8%), oral and maxillofacial surgery (4.1%), periodontics (2.8%), and endodontics (2.7%).
Sources
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
Cigna
American Dental Association
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Maine Dental Association
National Institute on Aging
Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce
District Dentistry
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