Who is a dentist?
Dentists specialize in oral hygiene, identifying, treating, preventing, and supervising conditions and irregularities in the mouth, teeth, gums, and craniofacial complex (encompassing the head, facial area, and oral cavity). General dentists deliver primary dental care for individuals of every age group.
A dental checkup includes conducting or ordering tests such as X-rays and using medical equipment and tools such as scalpels, brushes, lasers, and drills to check teeth for cavities, decay, and gum or jawbone abnormalities. Dentists near you can also prescribe medications, administer anesthesia, and perform complex procedures. Dentists offer treatment in restorative dentistry, which involves fitting dental crowns, filling cavities with dental sealants, and placing dental implants. Some also provide emergency dental care, which includes treating knocked-out or displaced teeth and tooth extractions. Dentists generally work with a team of other healthcare professionals, including lab technicians, hygienists, and dental assistants.
Dentist: training and education
Dentists follow a path similar to that of a conventional doctor. Dentists do not hold medical doctor (M.D.) degrees; instead, they receive Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degrees.
Dentists must complete an undergraduate degree in science, followed by dental school. After dental school, they may specialize in one or more areas of dentistry, requiring two to three years of additional post-doctoral education.
What are the various specialties in dentistry?
A dental specialty is a recognized dentistry area requiring additional training and education. The National Commission recognizes 12 dental specialties based on strict criteria.
Here are details of some of these specialties:
- Pediatric dentistry provides oral care for children from infancy through adolescence. It also caters to those with special healthcare needs and focuses on both preventive and therapeutic care.
- Periodontics involves preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the gums as well as the teeth's supporting structures. This specialty also focuses on maintaining the health and function of these tissues.
- Dental public health aims to prevent and control dental diseases and promote dental health through community efforts. It involves dental health education, applied research, and the administration of group dental care programs.
- Endodontics is the treatment of dental pulp and tissues surrounding a tooth's roots. It involves understanding the biology and pathology of the pulp and periradicular tissues and diagnosing and treating related diseases and injuries.
- Prosthodontics focuses on diagnosing, planning treatment, and rehabilitating patients with missing teeth and oral tissues. It uses biocompatible substitutes to restore oral function, comfort, and appearance.
- Dental anesthesiology manages pain, anxiety, and overall patient health during dental procedures. This specialty is dedicated to patient safety and improving access to care for all dental patients, including young children and those with special needs.
- Oral and maxillofacial pathology involves diagnosing and managing diseases affecting the mouth, jaws, and face. It includes research and diagnosis using various examinations, such as clinical, radiographic, and microscopic analyses.
Other recognized specialties include oral and maxillofacial radiology, oral medicine, orofacial pain, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.
What conditions do dentists treat?
Dentists can treat various oral health issues depending on their specialty. Some commonly diagnosed dental problems include-
- Tooth decay - is generally caused by the formation of cavities in the mouth. Cavities result from plaque that eats away at the hard surface of the teeth (enamel), causing holes in the teeth.
- Gingivitis - is a mild or initial stage of gum disease. It is triggered by inadequate dental care, which fosters plaque accumulation (a sticky substance of bacteria and mucus) on the teeth.
- Tooth injuries - can occur from falls or during sports activities and cause the teeth to become displaced, fractured, or even wholly detached in some cases.
- Oral cancer - A dentist can help prevent mouth and throat cancers by screening patients during regular checkups. People who drink alcohol excessively, smoke, or have a history of sun exposure are at high risk of oral cancers.
- Malocclusion (misaligned jaw) - In a standard jaw, the upper teeth fit over the lower teeth, i.e., the points of molars fit the opposite molar grooves. Malocclusion causes an underbite, overbite, or even crowding of the teeth. Treatment of a malocclusion involves surgery, braces or aligners, or removal of teeth if required.
- Root infection - Bacteria can infect the root of decayed or damaged teeth, causing an infection. Symptoms include throbbing pain, pus discharge, bad breath, and inflammation. Dentists treat root canal surgery by removing the bacteria and sealing the affected tooth with a filling.
- Bad breath (Halitosis) - Various reasons can cause bad breath. These include cavities, dry mouth, gum disease, and tongue bacteria. Halitosis can also result from sinusitis, tonsillitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and liver and kidney disorders.
- Teeth grinding (Bruxism) - This disease can be of two types: wake bruxism and sleep bruxism. People with wake bruxism unconsciously clench their teeth when awake. On the contrary, sleep bruxism patients clench and grind their teeth while sleeping. While mild bruxism can heal independently, severe teeth grinding can lead to teeth damage, jaw disorders, head and neck pain, etc.
What are some common causes of dental issues?
While some bacteria are harmless in small quantities in the mouth, an excessive amount can lead to dental cavities and decay. Certain foods, lifestyle habits, and conditions can cause oral health issues, some of which include-
- A diet rich in sugary edibles and beverages like colas, biscuits, frozen desserts, pastries, and solid confections can promote the growth of acid-producing bacteria in the mouth, developing cavities. Sipping acidic and sugary drinks can also create an acid bath over the teeth, which causes the enamel to erode faster.
- Smoking or chewing tobacco can lead to periodontal or gum disease and cause yellowish or brownish stains on the teeth. In addition, it significantly elevates the chances of developing oral cancer and worsens teeth and bones.
- A dry mouth that does not produce enough saliva can lead to tooth decay, as certain substances in saliva counter the acid produced by bacteria and wash away plaque from the teeth.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn can wear the enamel down and cause significant tooth damage over time. A dentist might refer you to a gastroenterologist to determine if gastric reflux is causing your enamel loss.
- Not brushing with fluoride toothpaste and not flossing regularly. Fluoride occurs naturally, enhancing tooth enamel strength and remineralization while reducing oral bacteria's daily acid production.
- Eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa involve purging or expelling food from the stomach by repetitive vomiting. It causes the stomach acid to flow into the mouth and erode tooth enamel. Eating disorders also interfere with saliva production.
How should you take care of your teeth and gums?
Keeping your mouth clean prevents tooth and gum diseases. Here are three tips to maintain proper oral hygiene:
- Brush: Brush your teeth and gums twice daily. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles for best results. While brushing, use a pea-sized portion of fluoride toothpaste. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle toward your gums, and remember to brush the back and sides of your teeth. It helps remove bacteria and plaque. Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
- Floss: The toothbrush cannot reach the spaces between your teeth. To cleanse those regions, grab an 18-inch dental floss segment, encircle it around your middle fingers, and carefully insert it between your teeth. Next, move the strip vertically against your teeth and around the gum line. Ensure that you do not apply too much pressure, as it can cause bleeding. Floss at least once daily.
- Rinse: Rinse your mouth daily for 30-60 seconds with an antibacterial mouthwash. It helps remove pieces of food and debris, eliminates bad breath, reduces plaque buildup, kills bacteria that cause gum disease and prevents dry mouth.
Preparing for your dental appointment
To ensure a stress-free dental visit, consider these key steps before the appointment:
- Plan sufficient time - Schedule enough time off from work or school so you don't feel rushed. When booking your appointment, ask about the expected duration and allow for extra time, especially if it's been a while since your last checkup. Evening appointments can be a great option if you prefer to head home afterward.
- Check insurance and costs - Verify whether your dentist is in-network with your insurance provider to minimize out-of-pocket expenses. You may need to pay a co-pay at the office or receive a bill later. If you're uninsured, ask about pricing in advance to avoid surprises.
- Arrive early and bring essentials - On the day of your visit, arrive a little early to complete any necessary paperwork. Bring your ID and insurance card to streamline the check-in process.
During the appointment:
- Cleaning by the dental hygienist
- A protective cloth will be placed over your chest, and you may receive eye shields.
- The hygienist usually uses special tools to remove plaque from your teeth and gums.
- If you experience discomfort, inform the hygienist—you can take breaks if needed.
- After cleaning, you'll rinse your mouth before the hygienist polishes your teeth with a buffing paste, often available in different flavors.
- X-rays may be taken once a year to check for hidden issues.
- Examination by the dentist
- The dentist will inspect each tooth and measure gum pockets using a periodontal probe.
- They will discuss your oral health and recommend any necessary treatments.
After the appointment:
- If your mouth feels sore afterward, over-the-counter pain relievers can provide relief. Contact a dentist near you if you experience persistent pain, swelling, or a dental emergency such as a broken tooth.
By preparing yourself beforehand and knowing what to expect, you can make your dental visit smooth and worry-free.
Find a dentist near you in Fairfax, Virginia
If you experience symptoms like toothache, tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, or trouble chewing or biting down food properly, you should visit a dentist immediately. Even if you don't have these symptoms, you should find a dentist accepting new patients and book an appointment if it has been a while since you've visited a dentist. Routine dental checkups help prevent tooth decay and gum disease and maintain a healthy smile. Oral health is also an indicator of overall health associated with severe conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
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Oral health in Virginia
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Virginia employs approximately 4,880 general dentists (as of May 2021). Virginia ranks 5th in the top five states with the highest employed dentists, following California, Texas, Florida, and New York.
Data collected by County Health Rankings show that as of 2020, Fairfax County has nearly 109 dentists per 100,000 population. This rate has consistently increased over the past ten years and is higher than the state's average rate of 72.
Data collated by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in 2020 shows that roughly 70% of all adults in Virginia had visited a dental clinic or seen a dentist in the previous year. Of those who visited the dentist, the majority, or 71.9%, consisted of females, and 68% comprised males. People who have completed education beyond high school, precisely around 83.2% of individuals with college degrees, displayed a higher tendency to schedule visits to dentists than those who did not finish high school (45.6%). Among the population of adults aged 65 and older in Virginia, nearly 11.3% had experienced a complete loss of their natural teeth, while 29.8% had lost six or more teeth due to issues like gum disease and tooth decay.
Research suggests that people who drink fluoridated water are less likely to develop oral cavities and tooth decay. The CDC Water Fluoridation Reporting System (WFRS) reported in 2018 that approximately 96.3% of Virginia residents received fluoridated water from the Community Water Systems (CWS). The Virginia Department of Health regulates over 1000 community waterworks in the state. It monitors fluoride levels to maintain them at 0.7 mg/L, the optimum fluoride concentration recommended by the Public Health Service (PHS).
The American Cancer Society (ACS) reported 1,370 new oral and pharynx cancer cases in Virginia in 2022. Men had a notably more significant occurrence of oral cavity and pharynx cancer per 100,000 individuals, with a rate of 17.4, compared to women, whose rate was 6.1.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic[1]
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LiveHealthy Fairfax
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Virginia Department of Health
U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]
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Cancer Statistics Center
Verywell Health[1]
Verywell Health[2]
National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards
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