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Dentists and oral health care professionals

Dentists are trained professionals who diagnose and treat disorders involving patients' teeth, gums, and other oral structures. They either hold a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) degree or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. They also educate people on oral hygiene and work to maintain overall oral health for patients of all ages.

Dentists specialize in different areas, including:

• General dentist: The primary dental care provider is a general dentist. Gum care, fillings, root canals, crowns, veneers, bridges, and preventive education are all things a dentist diagnoses, treats, and manages for you.
• Endodontist: Dentists specialize in tooth discomfort, illness, and infection. They have undergone further training to detect and treat tooth discomfort and perform root canals (a procedure that saves a tooth that has become diseased or is decaying).
• Orthodontist: These dentists specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating dental and facial abnormalities. They offer various treatment techniques for straightening crooked teeth, correcting poor bites, and properly aligning the jaws.
• Oral and maxillofacial radiologist: An oral and maxillofacial radiologist is a dentist who analyzes and interprets radiographic pictures for disorders affecting the head, neck, face, and jaws. To become an OMR, a dentist must complete an American Dental Association-accredited residency program.
• Oral pathologist: Mouth growths, such as lesions, may signal the onset of more significant issues later. Oral pathology is a dental specialty that detects and treats oral illnesses like oral cancer. All aspects of disease management, including research, diagnosis, examination, and therapy, are handled by pathologists.
• Pediatric dentist or pedodontist: A pedodontist (or pediatric dentist) specializes in treating children's teeth. A pedodontist works with the child's parents to teach them the proper oral hygiene routine for their kid and to discuss any future potential treatments.

Why is oral health important?

Your teeth play a vital role in your life. They facilitate better chewing and digestion of food, and a confident grin can increase self-esteem. Dental wellness, for example, improves general health by reducing the incidence of chronic illnesses and eliminating plaque and tooth decay.

Various studies suggest oral bacteria and inflammation linked to severe gum disease periodontitis may influence several illnesses. Furthermore, certain conditions, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can reduce the body's response to infection, worsening oral health issues.

The health benefits of excellent oral hygiene are remarkable and include a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, fewer diabetes complications, and less joint inflammation. Hence, following good oral hygiene practices beginning in childhood is critical. Such habits include brushing twice daily, flossing daily, having a nutritious diet, and visiting the dentist. It is also a good idea to understand dental ailments and their causes to avoid them.

What are the most common dental problems?

Before eliminating dental problems, you should understand them and their causes. Here are the most common dental issues you can see a dentist near you for:

• Bad breath: Bad breath is usually characterized by a persistent, unpleasant odor in exhaled breath that is generally not noticeable. The source or the underlying cause of bad breath odors varies. Even if they have little to no mouth odor, some people worry a lot about their breath. Meanwhile, others are unaware of foul breath. Gum disease, cavities, oral infections, dry mouth, and germs on the tongue, among other oral disorders, can produce bad breath.
• Tooth decay: A tooth's surface, or enamel, is eroded by tooth decay. When harmful bacteria produce acids that degrade the enamel, it is what happens. Tooth decay can cause distress, infection, and even tooth injury if not treated.
• Gum disease: Periodontal disease, the medical name for gum disease, is an illness caused by bacteria that affects the teeth that support the bone and the gums. It can result in mild gum inflammation, leading to a catastrophic condition that causes significant damage to the gums and supporting bone.
• Oral cancer: Oral cancer manifests as a persistent growth or sore in the mouth. It may prove deadly if left untreated and fails to be identified in time. It can cause cancers of the lips, cheeks, mouth, tongue, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx (throat).

Importance of dental checkups

Dental problems can be excruciating, but the good news is that most of them are preventable. For early diagnosis and prevention, adults must schedule frequent dental checkups at periods set by their dentist. Here are other reasons why these checkups are essential:

• Professional cleaning: Even with routine brushing and flossing, tartar and plaque can accumulate in difficult-to-reach areas. Professional cleanings during dental checkups help remove these deposits, lowering the chances of developing cavities and gum disease. 
• Monitoring oral health changes: Dentists can monitor changes in your oral health over time. This is especially important for identifying issues like teeth grinding, bite alignment problems, or signs of oral cancer. Timely diagnosis can offer an opportunity for more effective treatment.
• Customized oral health advice: Dentists provide personalized advice on oral hygiene practices, diet, and lifestyle choices that can enhance your oral health. This guidance helps you maintain healthy teeth and gums between visits.
• Preventive treatments: During checkups, dentists may offer preventative treatments such as fluoride application or dental sealants. These treatments help strengthen teeth and provide additional protection against cavities.
• Maintaining overall health: Oral health has a direct connection with overall health. Dental issues can contribute to systemic problems like heart disease, diabetes, and more. Regular dental checkups can improve overall health by addressing potential oral health problems.
• Preserving teeth and smile: Early intervention in dental issues prevents the need for more invasive and costly procedures later on. Regular checkups help keep natural teeth and maintain a healthy, confident smile.
• Cost-effective in the long run: Availing of preventive dental care through regular checkups can save money by addressing issues early. Treating advanced dental problems can be significantly more expensive and time-consuming.

While the general recommendation is to see a dentist at least twice yearly for checkups, some individuals might need more frequent visits based on their oral health condition and risk factors.

What to expect at your first dental visit?

When you visit a dentist near you for the first time, the dental hygienist will take X-rays of your mouth. Dental X-rays are quick and painless, help the provider identify cavities or other damage early, and allow timely treatment.

The dentist will then review your results and examine your teeth to assess your overall dental health. The dental exam is also painless. The provider will check your teeth for signs of damage, such as cracks or bleeding gums. They may also use a small tool to measure gum recession and examine areas with holes or damage. This is done gently to evaluate the health of your teeth and gums.

Afterward, the dentist will suggest a care plan based on your needs. They may schedule a complete dental cleaning and other treatments for future visits. Once the exam is done, the dentist will explain all the treatment options, if required, and may ask you to schedule follow-up care.

What is dental cleaning?

Dental cleaning is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. During the cleaning procedure, a dentist or dental hygienist removes plaque, bacteria, and tartar buildup from the surface of your teeth. They may also administer other preventive services, such as dental sealants or fluoride treatments. If you experience dental fears or anxiety, speak with your dentist. Many providers offer sedation options to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed throughout your visit.

A dentist can opt for different kinds of dental cleanings based on your specific needs. Regardless of the procedure, they will all share the same goal: to eliminate harmful bacteria and reduce the risk of dental problems.

Some examples of dental cleaning types are:

• Prophylaxis: This is the most common type of dental cleaning. It is a routine, preventive procedure for people with healthy teeth and gums.
• Gross debridement: If you have not visited a dentist for more than a year or have significant plaque buildup, you may need a gross debridement. It is similar to a standard prophylaxis, but it often takes longer. Its goal is to identify any undiagnosed issues before the cleaning.
• Scaling and root planing: Often called a deep dental cleaning, scaling and root planing target bacteria and hardened tartar (calculus) beneath the gum line, around the tooth roots. This procedure is suited for those with mild to moderate periodontitis (gum disease). Local anesthesia is typically used to numb the gums during the treatment.

How do you choose the right dentist near you in Baltimore?

Zocdoc's mission has been to enhance the healthcare experience significantly, and dental care is no exception. You can use this site to find specialists who fit your budget and have the expertise in treating specific problems or illnesses. You may search through hundreds of verified user reviews on Zocdoc to find a nearby dentist who supports your insurance.

Add your insurance information to your Zocdoc account to find in-network providers. Some doctors may require you to bring your insurance card to the appointment. Reach out to Zocdoc's patient help center for any insurance-related queries.

When it comes to oral health concerns, expertise counts. The more experience a dentist has with a particular condition or operation, the better your outcomes. Additional training is needed for dental specialties like orthodontics and endodontics. Inquire about the dentist's expertise in treating patients with unique dental problems, such as dental implants or ceramic braces. Feel free to mention if you have dental anxiety so that the dentist can put you at ease and make the visit as comfortable as possible.

Your dentist is a helpful resource for oral healthcare. Regular dental exams and treatment by a dentist near you can help keep your teeth, mouth, and gums healthy and avoid dental disease.

Statistics related to oral health in Maryland

According to data from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, around 4,266 dentists worked in Maryland as of 2019. In other words, there were almost 70.56 dentists per 100,000 residents.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights some key points in its 2020 report regarding adult oral health in Maryland. Almost 66.2% of adults visited a dentist or dental clinic in the past year. Approximately 8.9% of adults over 65 developed gum disease or tooth decay, which caused them to lose their natural teeth.

Sources

Better Health Channel

Mayo Clinic

VeryWellHealth

Healthline

WebMD

Oral Health Foundation

Healthdirect

National Center for Biotechnology Information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

Cleveland Clinic

Elite Dentistry of Simi Valley

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.