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Who is a dentist, and what is oral health?

Dentists are medical professionals who focus on patients' oral health and treating issues related to their teeth, gums, and oral cavity. Oral health refers to the conditions of the teeth, mouth, and orofacial structures that allow people to carry out basic tasks like eating, breathing, and speaking. It also includes psychosocial aspects like well-being, self-confidence, and the capacity to socialize and work without experiencing discomfort, pain, or embarrassment. Oral health changes throughout life and is crucial to overall health.

Dental caries, tooth loss, periodontal disease, oral cancer, oro-dental trauma, noma, and birth deformities, including cleft lip and palate, are all included under the umbrella term "oral disorders."

What does a dentist do?

Dentists can diagnose mouth problems and perform soft tissue or bone surgeries like a maxillofacial surgeon. Dentists may additionally be responsible for the following:

• Keeping track of the jaw and tooth development
• Developing a treatment plan for people to enhance their dental health
• Interpreting and reading diagnostic tests such as X-rays
• Prescribing drugs such as antibiotics
• Administering anesthetics before oral treatments to prevent patient discomfort
• Applying sealants or whitening chemicals to the teeth

Educational qualifications of dentists

Aspiring dentists need to obtain a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD), or a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry degree. Candidates for undergraduate dentistry programs are frequently required to have a bachelor's degree and to have passed science courses like chemistry or biology. Candidates for dental schools must generally take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) to be selected for a program. Students in dentistry school take coursework in radiology, anatomy, local anesthesia, and periodontics. 

All dentistry programs also include clinical practice, where students gain practical knowledge while supervising patients in a dental office. The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) acknowledges this program as a two- to four-year residency. A student who completes a four-to-six-year oral and maxillofacial surgery program may be eligible to receive the Medical Doctor (MD) degree.

Each state has different licensing requirements, but all dentists must have one to practice there. A DDS or DMD from an authorized dental program, success on the National Board Dental Examinations, and passing a state or regional clinical test are often the prerequisites for obtaining a license.

Types of dentists

A general dentist is the most common type, providing a wide range of routine and complex dental services. They act as the primary care provider for individuals of all ages, handling the diagnosis, treatment, and management of oral health throughout their lifetime. If you need more specialized care, your general dentist may refer you to a specialist.

The National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards and the American Dental Association recognize 12 dental specialties:

• Pediatric dentist: A pediatric dentist (pedodontist) focuses on oral care for children and adolescents. They manage their oral development from infancy to adolescence and address special needs.
• Orthodontist: Orthodontists correct teeth and jaw alignment using braces, retainers, and other devices. They improve your bite, making it easier to chew and speak and enhancing aesthetics.
• Periodontist: Specializing in gum disease, periodontists treat conditions from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis. They are skilled in placing and maintaining dental implants and can help with chronic or severe gum issues.
• Endodontists: These specialists focus on the tooth pulp, performing root canals and endodontic surgeries and saving teeth affected by decay or injury. They help manage pain and preserve teeth with infected pulp.
• Oral and maxillofacial surgeon: Oral surgeons handle diseases, injuries, and abnormalities in the head, neck, face, jaws, and mouth. They perform tooth extractions, jaw corrections, tumor removals, and dental implant surgeries.
• Prosthodontists: These are experts who restore missing teeth and jaw structures. They specialize in dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, and treatments for temporomandibular joint disorders. They also treat defects from surgery, trauma, or congenital disabilities.
• Oral pathologist: Oral pathologists research diseases affecting the mouth and jaw, providing diagnostic support to general dentists and specialists through biopsies and examinations.
• Oral maxillofacial radiologist: These specialists interpret imaging (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs) to diagnose conditions affecting the head, neck, face, and jaws.
• Dental anesthesiologists: They work with other dental professionals to manage pain and sedation during procedures, ensuring patient safety and comfort.
• Oral medicine specialist: These specialists provide care for individuals with complex oral conditions. They can diagnose and treat issues like mouth sores, dry mouth, and facial pain.
• Orofacial pain specialist: These professionals treat oral and facial pain conditions, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and head and neck pain, and manage sleep-related breathing disorders.
• Dental public health specialist: Focused on community health, they develop strategies to prevent dental diseases and promote oral health through research, education, and group care programs.

What are the most common dental issues?

Recurring dental issues can be prevented if you brush twice a day, floss daily, eat a healthy diet, and go for regular check-ups. Educating yourself about the same and how cavities are caused can also help prevent them. The most common dental hygiene issues include:

• Bad breath, or halitosis, is an awkward problem that affects many people and is caused by an underlying dental disorder. Gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, dry mouth, or bacteria on the tongue may cause it. 
• Cavities, or tooth decay, are the second most common dental problem in the United States. It happens when plaque on the teeth combines with sugar, starch, and bacteria. The resulting product produces acids that attack the tooth enamel. Dry mouth, aging, and normal enamel erosion can cause cavities.
• An infection of the gums is called gum disease or periodontal disease, the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Its symptoms include bad breath, swollen and bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, and chewing pain. Diabetes, dry mouth, and smoking are significant risk factors.
• Oral cancer is a severe and deadly condition commonly occurring in people aged 40 and above. It is often curable if diagnosed and treated in the earlier stages. Smoking or chewing tobacco, alcohol abuse, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection 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 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 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 is caused when acid attacks the enamel, resulting in the loss of tooth structure.
• Tooth sensitivity is another common issue that involves pain and discomfort from sweets, cold air, hot or cold beverages, and ice cream.
• Toothaches and dental emergencies can include a broken or cracked tooth, an abscessed (pus) tooth, or accidental tooth loss.

Why is good oral and dental health crucial?

Good dental care can protect your teeth as you age and help you avoid gum diseases, tooth decay, and bad breath. Healthy nutritional and dental hygiene practices affect physical and mental well-being. Oral health directly impacts speech, diet, nutrition, and interpersonal interactions. A mouth condition can also affect other body parts and contribute to various secondary ailments. The following health issues can result from poor oral hygiene:

• Pain in the mouth and face: Gum disease, which can destroy teeth by infecting the tissues that support them, usually causes this discomfort. Gingivitis, the beginning stage of gum disease, frequently develops.
• Problems with the digestive process: Digestion starts with physical and chemical processes in the mouth. Therefore, oral issues can result in intestinal failure, irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive illnesses. 
• Cardiovascular and other main organ issues: Infections in the mouth can harm essential organs. Bacterial endocarditis, which can cause the heart and heart valves to inflame, affects people with heart diseases or anyone with damaged heart tissue.

How often should you visit a dentist near you?

Knowing 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, you should visit the best dentist near you twice a year for preventive and precautionary dental care.

How can oral wellness be improved?

According to research, your mouth's health reflects the state of your entire body. Regular dental check-ups can keep your smile attractive and reveal much about your general health, including whether you may be at risk for developing chronic diseases.

You can maintain proper dental hygiene at home by following a few simple steps, such as:

• Brushing for at least two minutes twice daily.
• Flossing every day to get rid of plaque from hard-to-reach areas.
• Maintain a balanced diet to get the necessary nutrients, especially vitamins A and C, to prevent gum disease.
• Avoid tobacco products such as cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, as they can cause oral cancer and periodontal diseases.
• Schedule frequent cleanings and examinations at the dentist.

How do you find the best dentist near you in Elmhurst, IL?

Poor oral health leads to worse outcomes for several general health issues. A lot can happen in your mouth, like a small amount of decay between your teeth, tartar residing just below your gum line, an impacted wisdom tooth, etc. Taking care of yourself includes scheduling an appointment with a dentist. Zocdoc can help you find some of the best and most reliable dentists in Elmhurst, Illinois.

The first step is to create a free account on Zocdoc and enter your location and symptoms to receive a list of top-rated professionals matching your criteria. Each listed provider has a unique profile with information on their credentials, education, training, licensure, experience, hospital affiliation, and other details. You can use filters to find specialists based on their gender, linguistic comfort level, and experience treating children. You may also locate in-network experts by including your insurance details in your search. 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.

To further help you make a more informed decision, you can access verified reviews and ratings from previous patients. Once you have picked the best-fit dentist for your requirements, you may instantly schedule an in-person or virtual appointment based on their availability.

With Zocdoc, booking appointments with dentists near you becomes simple, secure, and free.

Oral Health statistics for Illinois

The May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated approximately 121,640 dentists nationwide, with about 5,840 practicing in Illinois.

According to America's Health Rankings 2022 report, around 65.9% of people in Illinois reported visiting a dentist or dentist's clinic within the previous year, similar to the national average of 66.0%. Approximately 61.8% of the population aged 18-44, 68.3% aged 45-64, and 70.5% over 65 visited the dentist that year. The report also showed that dental visits were more common amongst women (68.7%) in the state than men (62.8%).

Sources

WebMD

Verywell Health

Access Dental Care

World Health Organization

Indeed

America's Health Rankings

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Delta Dental

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.