What does a dentist do?
A dentist is a medical expert with extensive education and comprehensive oral health management training. They cater to patients of all ages in private clinics, hospitals, schools, or other healthcare settings. They perform several everyday responsibilities, including:
- Conducting routine preventative dental examinations, screenings, and cleanings for your teeth, gums, and other mouth parts
- Diagnosing/treating dental problems, like cavities, gum disease, bad breath, tooth sensitivity, cracked teeth, and dry mouth
- Performing dental procedures, such as teeth whitening, extractions, fillings, and root canals
- Administering anesthetics to manage pain during dental procedures
- Providing advice and guidance on oral hygiene practices, such as brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash
- Restoring damaged/missing teeth using dental implants, crowns, bridges, or dentures
- Maintaining records for previous dental procedures
- Working with other healthcare professionals, such as orthodontists and oral surgeons, to coordinate care for patients with complex dental problems
Education, training, and specializations of dentists
To become a dentist, students require extensive education and training similar to that of a medical doctor. The initial step is completing an undergraduate program in a related field, such as biology, chemistry, health, or mathematics, earning a bachelor of science degree. Following this, aspiring dentists must undergo a dental admissions test as a prerequisite for dental school applications.
The comprehensive training process includes the following:
- Biomedical science studies: Two years dedicated to mastering biomedical sciences
- Clinical practice: Two years of hands-on clinical experience to develop practical skills
This educational foundation leads to a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) degree. Subsequently, obtaining a dental license is crucial, necessitating success in both written and practical exams.
After completing these fundamental steps, dentists may enhance their expertise by becoming certified through the National Board Dental Examination. Specialization is also a familiar route, with dentists choosing from various fields, each requiring a one- to three-year postgraduate residency.
These specialized areas include:
- Dental public health: Focused on community-based oral health promotion and disease prevention.
- Endodontics: Specializing in the study and treatment of dental pulp and tissues encompassing the roots of the teeth.
- Oral and maxillofacial pathology: Dealing with identifying and managing diseases impacting the oral and maxillofacial regions.
- Oral and maxillofacial radiology: Specializing in diagnostic imaging techniques for diseases and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial areas.
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery: Concentrating on surgical procedures involving the face, jaw, and mouth.
- Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics: Focused on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws.
- Pediatric dentistry: Specializing in the oral health care of children and adolescents.
- Periodontics: Concentrating on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental illnesses affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
- Prosthodontics: Dealing with restoring and replacing missing teeth with artificial substitutes.
Each of these specializations demands a commitment to further education and hands-on training to refine skills and knowledge in the chosen field. Through this structured and rigorous process, dentists become equipped to provide specialized care to address a diverse range of oral health needs.
What is dental anxiety, and how can you manage it?
Dental anxiety is the fear/stress of dental settings and procedures. Many people of all ages experience it. But, when it is extreme, you may regularly avoid or miss your appointments, which can harm your oral health. Common symptoms of dental anxiety include sweating, palpitations, low blood pressure, fainting, crying, or panicking during dental visits.
If you have dental anxiety, ensure you talk to your dentist about it. They will help you feel at ease and be more patient and cooperative throughout your dental checkups and treatments. You can also manage your anxiety using different coping strategies, such as:
- Relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation
- Distraction techniques such as listening to calm music or an audiobook
- Sedation
- Having the company of a friend or family member at the appointment
- Choosing a dentist who is an expert in treating anxious patients
How often should you visit a dentist near you and why?
Most people visit a dentist only when they experience troublesome dental symptoms such as toothache, sensitivity, bleeding gums, or mouth sores. Often, the diagnosis reveals a complex dental condition, resulting in challenging and expensive procedures. One of the best ways to avoid this situation is routine visits with your dentist.
Then, the question arises: How many dental appointments are ideal in a year? According to general guidelines by the American Dental Association, everyone should meet their dentist at least once every 6-12 months. With routine dental exams and cleanings, the dentist can detect and treat dental or oral health issues early before they worsen further. They can also provide tailored suggestions to prevent future problems. With appropriate preventive dental care, dental health costs will remain much lower.
However, various factors such as your age, health status, family history, lifestyle, and diet can influence your dental appointment schedule. You may require more frequent dental checkups if:
- You smoke or drink alcohol regularly.
- You follow a diet high in sugar or starches.
- You currently have ongoing oral issues such as gum disease or oral cancer.
- You have a family history of oral health conditions.
- You have other health problems like diabetes or a weakened immune system.
- You are pregnant.
In conclusion, your dentist is in the best position to advise you on the number of dental visits that are most appropriate for you. So, please discuss this with your dentist during your next visit, schedule your appointments according to their recommendations, and ensure optimal oral well-being for a lifetime.
What are the best practices for good oral health?
You can ensure good oral health for a lifetime if you incorporate the following simple yet effective changes in your routine:
- Follow oral hygiene practices: Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily—once after waking up and once before bed. If you are unsure about the correct brushing techniques, ask your dentist. Remember to floss your teeth at least once daily to eliminate all the food particles between the teeth. Use a tongue cleaner to gently clean your tongue and rinse your mouth with a mouthwash, which your dentist recommends.
- Take up healthy lifestyle habits: If you smoke or use other forms of tobacco, quitting today will be a good idea. Similarly, limit your alcohol consumption and stop its use entirely if you can. Both smoking and alcohol can increase your risk of several oral health complications, such as gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer.
- Consume a healthy diet: Whole grains, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, and dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and milk are beneficial for good oral health. Steer clear of processed, sugary, starchy, and acidic foods and beverages as much as possible. Also, drinking water keeps your mouth hydrated and removes food particles/bacteria that can contribute to dental problems.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Visiting your dentist once or twice a year is essential as a preventive measure. They can clean your teeth and examine any dental problems. Early detection allows them to immediately start on the required treatment and prevent the problems from worsening.
Apart from these general measures, you must follow your dentist's recommendations that they provide based on your situation.
What are some unexpected causes of bad breath?
Bad breath, or halitosis, can come from more than just poor oral hygiene. Here are ten surprising culprits:
1. Alcohol – While it's a liquid, alcohol dries out your mouth, reducing saliva and allowing odor-causing bacteria to thrive. Caffeine, spicy foods, smoking, and even sleep-related dry mouth can have similar effects.
2. Tongue bacteria – The tongue harbors the most bacteria in your mouth. Regular cleaning with a toothbrush or tongue scraper helps avoid brittle plastic or sharp metal scrapers.
3. Low-carb diets – When your body burns fat for energy, it produces ketones, which cause an unpleasant smell. Since this isn't a hygiene issue, sugar-free gum may help.
4. Colds – Respiratory infections increase mucus, a favorite food for bacteria. Nasal congestion can also lead to mouth-breathing, which dries the mouth further.
5. Ulcers – Helicobacter pylori, which can cause ulcers, is also linked to bad breath. Treating the infection may improve your breath.
6. Medications – Many drugs, including allergy medications and antidepressants, reduce saliva. Stay hydrated and chew sugarless gum; special rinses may also help.
7. Tonsil stones – These smelly clumps form in your tonsils from trapped food and bacteria. Gargling salt water may help dislodge them.
8. Dried fruit – It's sugary and sticky, encouraging bacterial growth. Always brush and floss after snacking.
9. Acid reflux – GERD can bring up undigested food or cause throat irritation, leading to bad breath. Consult your doctor for treatment.
10. Cracked teeth/fillings – These can trap food and bacteria, leading to bad breath. Routine dental visits are essential.
What should I expect during my dental checkup?
Many people feel nervous about visiting the dentist, but understanding what happens during a routine checkup can make the experience less daunting.
At your appointment, your dentist will:
- Carefully look at your mouth, teeth, and gums for any signs of problems
- Discuss your overall health and ask if you’ve had any dental issues since your last visit
- Inquire about your eating habits and whether you use tobacco or alcohol
- Offer guidance on enhancing your oral hygiene routine
- Recommend any treatments or steps needed to address existing dental concerns
Before you leave, your dentist will let you know when to come in for your next visit. While this is usually every six months, the timing may vary based on your oral health and personal risk factors.
Where can you find the best dentist near you in Chevy Chase, MD?
Poor oral health can result from several factors, including poor oral hygiene, aging, genetics, smoking, alcohol use, an unhealthy diet, and lack of dental checkups. It can result in dental problems like tooth decay, bad breath, gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. These conditions can also impact your mental health and cause low self-esteem, embarrassment, and social isolation.
Regular checkups with the best dentist are the best way to maintain good oral health. On Zocdoc, you can find the desired dentist in any part of the U.S., including Chevy Chase, MD, who accepts your insurance. You can also enter your preferred consultation dates, location, conditions, and symptoms in the search bar to match with providers per your availability.
You can still book appointments if you do not have dental health insurance coverage. All you need to do is specify "I'll pay for myself" in the search bar and click the 'find' button. You will receive a directory of dentists in your vicinity accepting patients without asking for insurance information. For more clarification on health insurance, you can go through the FAQs listed on Zocdoc's patient help center.
If the list of dentists is too extensive, you can use Zocdoc filters to make your search easier. You can specify the reasons for your visit, consultation time, and preferred travel distance, and you can even choose the provider's gender and language. Although dental visits are mostly in-person, you can look for dentists offering online consultations in the video visits tab if necessary.
Zocdoc believes every patient has the right to know about the provider they will consult with. You can check their profile pages to learn more about their education, training, board certifications, professional memberships, practice names, and hospital affiliations. You can also read verified patient reviews to understand their professional conduct.
When you find the best dentist near you, you can quickly book your first appointment via Zocdoc—it's easy, secure, and 100% free!
Vital statistics on dental conditions, dental visits, and dentists in Maryland
A 2020 report on oral health by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that in Maryland, about 9.7% of females and 7.8% of males aged 65+ had lost all their teeth from gum disease or tooth decay. The percentage of adults aged 65+ who lost six or more teeth because of gum disease and tooth decay is 26.4% for females and 27.4% for males.
According to the American Cancer Society, Maryland's average annual oral cavity and pharynx cancer rate between 2015 and 2019 was 11.2 cases per 100,000 people. This cancer resulted in around 2.5 deaths per 100,000 population annually between 2016-2020. As per the statistics, around 890 new oral cavity and pharynx cancer cases and about 200 associated deaths may occur in 2023.
According to an America's Health Rankings report, in 2020, around 66.2% of Maryland adults reported visiting a dentist or dental clinic. Approximately 70% of the patients were females, and 62.1% were males. Adults aged 65+ made the maximum number of dental visits—nearly 70.78%, followed by around 69.5% from the 45-64 age group and about 61.6% from the 18-44 age group.
Based on data from a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, there were about 2050 practicing dentists in Maryland as of May 2021.
Sources
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
WebMD[3]
Cleveland Clinic
Better Health Channel
Healthline
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
America's Health Rankings
American Cancer Society
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Absolute Dental
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