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Who is a dentist?

Dentists are healthcare experts who specialize in diagnosing, preventing, and treating oral health issues. They care for teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth. 

Dentists use many tools and techniques to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. They may also perform cosmetic procedures, such as whitening, bonding, and applying veneers.

Responsibilities of a dentist

Apart from promoting good dental hygiene, a dentist's primary responsibility is to provide preventive and restorative oral health care for patients. In addition to diagnosing, treating, and preventing oral diseases, dentists also conduct regular checkups and educate patients on proper oral hygiene practices. They are also experts in providing cosmetic dental services. 

Dentists employ modern instruments and technology for dental operations like drills, brushes, scalpels, X-ray machines, lasers, and other medical implements. They wear protective gear like masks, gloves, and safety glasses to stop the spread of germs or bacteria.

Some of the routine dental procedures dentists conduct are:

• Educating people about dental care
• Filling cavities
• Removing tooth decay or plaque 
• Changing or extracting broken teeth
• Reviewing diagnostics and X-rays 
• Giving a sedative
• Working with fillings/sealants
• Monitoring the development of the jawbone/teeth

The team approach of dentists

Dentistry demands a collaborative approach. Dentists are experts in the field since they hold a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree; both degrees are equivalent. The dental team comprises dental assistants, hygienists, and lab technicians, all guided by a dentist's expertise. Given this, dentists' oversight is essential for the clinical team to provide safe and efficient oral care.

The team approach to dentistry encourages thorough, practical, economical, and successful continuity of care. The staff works together to guarantee that patients receive high-quality dental care because, similar to physical health, oral health is essential to overall well-being, too.

Specialties within dentistry

The National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards (NCRDSCB) currently recognizes twelve dental specializations. These are: 

• Pediatric dentistry addresses the oral health concerns of young children and infants up until puberty.
• Endodontics oversees dental pulp health's morphology, biology, physiology, pathology, and regeneration.
• Periodontics treats conditions affecting the bone and gums that support the teeth.
• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics aim to correct dental and facial irregularities.
• Prosthodontics includes restoring natural teeth or using artificial devices, such as dentures, to replace lost teeth or oral structures.
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery involves treating oral diseases and mouth injuries.
• Oral and maxillofacial pathology focuses on diseases of the mouth, teeth, and surrounding areas.
• Oral and maxillofacial radiology uses X-rays and other imaging techniques to diagnose and treat mouth diseases and disorders.
• Dental public health is about preventing dental disease through coordinated community initiatives.
• Orofacial pain incorporates diagnosing, controlling, and treating pain conditions affecting the jaw, mouth, face, head, and neck.
• Dental anesthesiology is committed to advancing patient safety and ensuring that all dental patients, especially the very young and those with unique medical needs, have access to care.
• Oral medicine involves diagnosing, managing, and treating complex jaw, mouth, face, head, and neck issues.

Reasons to see a dentist near you

Dentists treat more than just teeth and gum problems. Other areas of a dentist's expertise include:  

• Tongue
• Salivary glands
• Head and neck nerve systems
• Head, neck, and jaw muscles

To diagnose, dentists look for lumps, swelling, discolorations, ulcers, and other abnormalities during a complete examination. Additionally, early-stage oral cancer can be found via screening tests, making it simpler and easier to treat. 

Dental issues are becoming more common, hindering everyday functions. Therefore, to stay healthy, you need to see a dentist regularly. Even if you are symptom-free, checkups can help identify any symptoms you may be overlooking and stop problems from worsening.

Here are some signs that might need urgent dental care:

• Pain or swelling in the mouth
• Gum bleeding
• Maintenance during ongoing dental procedures
• Constant bad breath
• Jaw pain or sores
• Trouble chewing or swallowing 
• Tooth decay
• Dental cavities

Other common reasons to see a dentist are if you are pregnant or use tobacco. You only need a specialist who can care for your needs when the situation demands.

What are some of the surgical procedures for dental and oral problems?

Dental surgeries are often necessary to treat periodontal disease and to fix broken or missing teeth resulting from an accident. Also called gum disease/periodontitis, periodontal disease happens when there's infection and inflammation in the tissues supporting teeth. Poor hygiene sometimes causes it, but some people develop the disease even after following the brushing-flossing rule.

• Dentists perform flap surgery on a person with moderate to advanced periodontal disease. In this procedure, they lift the gum tissue to remove tartar & bacteria from under the gums. The dentist then stitches back the tissue around your teeth.
• Next up is tooth extraction. Dentists may perform this when a root canal or surgical intervention proves insufficient to save a tooth. Similarly, if there is not enough space in your jaw, wisdom teeth may cause pain, inflammation, or other issues, and thus may also need to be extracted.
• Bone grafting is another type of surgery that can replace the bone you have lost to gum disease. In this, experts substitute the damaged bone surrounding the root of your tooth with a graft made from the patient's bone, synthetic, or donated bone.
• The fourth type of surgery is a soft tissue graft. This operation is done in cases of receding gums and involves attaching the donor tissue to missing areas of your gums or removing a small piece of tissue from your mouth to replace it.
• In dental implants, surgeons commonly replace missing teeth lost due to an accident or disease. They place the implant into the jawbone, and the bones grow around it. After this procedure, the dentist customizes an artificial tooth known as a crown to match your other teeth and attaches it to the implant. If you replace more than one tooth, a bridge holds the artificial teeth in place. A bridge consists of two abutment crowns on either side of the gap, holding the artificial teeth in the middle.

What are the benefits, risks, recommendations, and procedures related to fluoride treatment for dental health?

Fluoride is a natural mineral that is important for maintaining strong teeth and preventing decay. It strengthens tooth enamel—the protective outer layer of teeth—and helps fight the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Fluoride plays a key role in oral health for children and adults, especially for those at higher risk of dental caries due to poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, or dietary habits.

Dentists commonly provide professional fluoride treatments at dental offices through gels, foams, varnishes, or concentrated rinses. These treatments contain much higher levels of fluoride than what is found in toothpaste or tap water. Application is quick—usually just a few minutes—and is done using a brush, swab, tray, or mouthwash. Patients are generally advised to abstain from drinking or eating for approximately 30 minutes post-treatment to allow for optimal absorption.

The American Dental Association (ADA) advises fluoride treatments every 3, 6, or 12 months. This, of course, depends on individual oral health needs. For those with a high risk of cavities, the dentist may also prescribe special fluoride gels or rinses for at-home use. Fluoride is also available systemically through water, food, and supplements. Common dietary sources include tea, fish with bones, and foods cooked in fluoridated water.

Fluoride is especially crucial for children. From birth to age three, they should use only a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste with supervision. Experts recommend a pea-sized amount for children ages three to six, and one should teach them to spit out toothpaste after brushing. Early exposure to fluoride significantly reduces the risk of tooth decay in children, and research shows that it can lower the likelihood of cavities by as much as 43%.

While fluoride is generally safe, overexposure can lead to side effects. Mild chronic exposure in children may cause white specks on teeth or enamel staining. In rare cases, excessive intake—often from swallowing fluoride supplements—can result in symptoms like nausea, fatigue, or even serious health risks. Acute fluoride toxicity is extremely rare but can be dangerous, so you should always keep fluoride supplements out of children’s reach.

Fluoride works best when used topically (through toothpaste and dental treatments) and systemically (through water and diet). Even if your drinking water contains fluoride, brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and maintaining regular dental visits are essential. Toothpaste enhances brushing by adding cleaning agents and fluoride to reinforce enamel and fight harmful bacteria, making it more effective than brushing with water alone.

Dental care for children 

Oral care for children is different from that for adults since their teeth, gums, and jawbones are still developing. Children begin to get their teeth within the first six months of birth. By the time they turn six or seven years old, their baby teeth fall out and are replaced by a permanent or secondary set of teeth. 

Certain habits in their childhood, if continued for several years, might impact oral growth and teeth alignment and make changes to the palate. And those habits include sucking on fingers, pacifiers, and thumbs. 

Further, it is imperative to give the necessary oral care soon after their birth to prevent early tooth decay ​and gum disease. After your baby turns one, consider visiting a pediatric dentist near you. Pediatric dentists are experts in oral care for infants, toddlers, adolescents, teens, and children with special needs. Consult a pediatric dentist within a year after the first tooth appears. 

The first visit will last 30 to 45 minutes, and you can expect the doctor to thoroughly examine your child's teeth and discuss the current oral health. The routine examination will entail a checkup of the growth of the teeth, jaws, gums, and peripheral oral tissues. If needed, the dentist will also remove any tartar, plaque, or stains.

Pediatric dentists offer the following services:

• Assessing the risk of oral cavities in newborns as well as their mothers. 
• Preventive care (dental cleanings and fluoride treatments). 
• Diet and nutrition recommendations to prevent cavities.
• Orthodontic assessment involves checking the position of teeth and offering corrective devices like braces and other orthodontic appliances. 
• Offer care for dental trauma, such as fractured, displaced, or broken teeth.
• Diagnose oral diseases associated with conditions such as diabetes​, asthma, and attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD​). 
• Manage gum diseases, mouth ulcers, and pediatric periodontal disease.

How can parents and caregivers ensure good oral health for their children?

Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay in the United States is the most prevalent chronic childhood disease. Visiting a pediatric dentist for routine checkups can help maintain your child's oral hygiene and prevent oral diseases. Here are ways parents or caregivers can improve their child's dental hygiene at home:

• For infants or babies younger than two, parents should wipe their gums with a soft and clean cloth twice a day, after the first feed and right before hitting the bed at night, to get rid of bacteria and sugars that can cause cavities. 
• Parents should ensure they brush their teeth twice daily for children aged three to six. 
• If your kids are starting to brush their teeth, make it a fun activity for them. For instance, allow them to choose a toothbrush of their favorite character and a toothpaste flavor. Reward them for practicing good oral care. 
• If your children are nervous about going to the dentist, try to plan a fun activity after the visit. 
• You should include drinking tap water that contains fluoride in their daily routine. 
• Speak with your pediatric dentist about fluoride toothpaste for children younger than two years.
• If your child wants to start a sport or is training to be an athlete, ensure they wear a mouth guard (a soft, plastic retainer that covers teeth and protects the mouth from injuries). Talk to your pediatric dentist if your child needs a custom-fit mouth guard.

Importance of oral health

Oral health is important for overall well-being. Poor oral health can negatively impact physical/mental health, as well as the quality of life. Good oral health is vital to avoid tooth decay/gum disease, which can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss. Poor oral health can cause bad breath and difficulty chewing and speaking. Unknown to most people, poor oral health is also linked to other health problems like diabetes and heart disease. Good oral hygiene habits can keep the mouth healthy and lower your risk of oral health problems. 

Such healthy practices include:

• Brushing teeth twice a day
• Flossing everyday 
• Regular dental visits

To establish a child's "dental home," the American Dental Association suggests that dental appointments start no later than the child's first birthday. Dentists can advise kids and parents, provide preventive dental care, and identify and treat dental disease in its earliest stages. With this continuous dental care, children and adults can retain excellent oral health as they age.

Hence, oral health is of the utmost importance. Good oral health improves life and your smile. The only challenge is finding a qualified dentist. 

How can you locate a qualified dentist near you in Coral Springs, FL?

Finding a trustworthy dentist in Coral Springs, Florida, requires time and effort. But with Zocdoc, you can find the best-suited dentist in a few clicks!

To get started, create a free account on the Zocdoc website. Then, you can access suitable dentists from our massive database by filtering by location and insurance coverage. To pick your insurance plan, enter your insurance company's name in the search query on Zocdoc. If you can't find your medical insurance plan, upload a photo of your insurance card. Zocdoc will scan the image and display the most suitable plan for you. This feature isn't available for dental or vision insurance cards. If you have trouble uploading the image, contact Zocdoc's Service Team for help. You can also visit Zocdoc's Patient Help Center for more insurance-related information.

Once you have a list of dentists that meet your requirements, click on individual profiles to view more information. Each dentist's profile contains their background in training and education, board certifications, hospital affiliations, distinctions, awards, accreditations, areas of specialization, and academic credentials. You can also view the dentist's gender, list of spoken languages, and pediatric experience to make an informed choice. Verified ratings and reviews from previous dentist patients will also help you simplify decision-making.

You can set up a virtual session first, followed by a physical one. Thanks to our simple booking procedure, you can view the dentist's availability to book a time slot. Some dentists might also be available for weekend appointments outside business hours.

Booking in-person or online appointments with Zocdoc is easy, free, and secure.

Statistics for dentists and dental visits in Florida

According to America's Health Rankings, in 2020, roughly 61% of Florida's adult population visited a dentist or dental clinic within the previous year. Compared to men (~57%), women were approximately 65% more likely to visit a dentist. Around 65% of people aged 65 and above saw a dentist in the past year. People between 18-44 and 45-64 had lower percentages (59% and 61%, respectively).

Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in September 2022, Florida had roughly 52 dentists per 100,000 residents. There were fewer dentists per 100,000 persons than the national average of 61. In May 2021, there were approximately 8,080 general dentists, 320 oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and 310 other dentistry specialists in Florida.

Sources

Healthline[1]

Healthline[2]

WebMD[1]

WebMD[2]

National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards

National Center for Biotechnology Information 

America's Health Rankings[1]

America's Health Rankings[2]

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

HealthyChildren.org[1]

HealthyChildren.org[2]

FamilyDoctor.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Stanford Medicine Children's Health

Nationwide Children's Hospital

Mouth Healthy

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.