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Who are dentists?

Dentists are certified doctors who take care of oral health. The specialists provide treatment and preventive care to maintain good dental health. They can diagnose and treat gums, teeth, and mouth disorders using technology and equipment such as X-ray machines, scalpels, lasers, drills, brushes, and other medical tools. Some everyday dentistry tasks include repairing and removing damaged teeth, removing buildup or decay from teeth, filling cavities, putting in fillings or sealants, and checking the growth of teeth and jawbones.

What kind of education and training do dentists receive?

Dentists undergo years of training before they start practicing. In their first training step, they must complete their undergraduate training in a related field such as biology, chemistry, or health and earn a bachelor of science degree. They can then apply for dental schools. They must complete four years of dental school, consisting of two years of biomedical science studies and two years of clinical practice, to earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.

To start their practice, dentists must become board-certified by clearing the National Board Dental Examination. They can also specialize further and complete a one- to three-year postgraduate residency.  

Types of dental specialties

There are several specialties that dentists can specialize in post-graduation. Some of these are:

• Pediatric dentistry: Deals with the oral healthcare needs of infants and children through adolescence. 
• Endodontics is the field that deals with the care of the soft core of the teeth, also known as the dental pulp. It involves procedures like root canals.
• Periodontics: This field of dentistry deals with diseases related to the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth.
• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics: Focus on correcting dental and facial irregularities.
• Prosthodontics: Dentists in this field use prosthetics to restore natural teeth or replace missing teeth. They can perform procedures to correct the anomaly or use artificial devices such as dentures to correct them.
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery: Focuses on surgical treatments for diseases and mouth injuries.
• Oral and maxillofacial pathology: This dental specialty deals with the diseases of the mouth, which consist of teeth, gums, and surrounding regions, with medication.
• Dental public health: Dentists specializing in public health educate people through organized community efforts. They talk about the prevention of dental diseases and how to maintain good dental hygiene.  

Common dental problems 

Following are some common dental problems that a dentist near you can treat:

• Tooth decay: Tooth decay, dental cavities, or caries is the most common dental condition. It happens due to plaque buildup on the tooth surface. Sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods cause the bacteria in the mouth to produce acids that permanently damage the outer layer of the tooth. These acids further damage the inner softer layer of the teeth, causing holes or cavities in the teeth. Its symptoms may include an unpleasant taste in the mouth, brown or black spots in the tooth, and bad breath.
• Untreated dental cavities can lead to severe gum infections that can spread throughout the body, resulting in serious health complications. Dentists will first assess the extent of tooth decay and then suggest appropriate treatments such as root canals, crowns, or dental fillings. Depending on the severity, they may recommend tooth extraction, dentures, or dental implants.
• Sensitive teeth: A worn-out tooth enamel and exposed dentin (a layer of material found directly beneath the tooth's enamel) can cause sensitive teeth. Your teeth may become sensitive to cold and hot drinks and foods.
• Receding gums, root infections, enamel erosion, gum disease, broken or cracked teeth, and worn-out fillings can also cause tooth sensitivity. The enamel layers may sometimes be naturally thin, resulting in sensitive teeth. Dentists may recommend fluoride treatment, gum graft, crown, root canal, or specific mouthwash or toothpaste to help with teeth sensitivity.
• Gum disease: Infection/inflammation in the gums and bones supporting teeth can cause gum disease or gingivitis. Common symptoms include swollen or red gums that bleed easily, sensitive teeth that cause chewing pain, and bad breath.
• Poor oral hygiene and teeth-brushing practices can lead to gum disease. Conditions such as diabetes, genetics, a weak immune system, and tobacco use also raise the risk of gum disease. If not treated early, gingivitis can cause severe gum infection, resulting in tooth extraction. Untreated gum disease can also lead to inflammation reactions throughout the body.
• Gingivitis: This is painless and may not show symptoms in its initial stage. Regular dental checkups can detect and treat the issue in its early stages. A thorough dental cleaning can also prevent tooth extraction or bone damage. Brushing and flossing twice daily helps maintain good dental hygiene and keep your teeth healthy.

Tips to maintain oral health

Maintaining the best oral health is vital for overall well-being. Here are some tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy:

• Brushing technique: Use a soft brush and gentle and circular motions to remove plaque. Remember to brush your tongue. It helps eliminate bacteria and freshen your breath.
• Floss daily: Regular flossing helps eliminate plaque and debris between teeth and along the gumline, places your toothbrush may not reach.
• Rinse with mouthwash: Using mouthwash can reduce bacteria, prevent plaque buildup, and give you fresher breath. After brushing and flossing, rinse with mouthwash to protect against oral health problems.
• Healthy diet: Avoid sugary, acidic foods and drinks, which can lead to tooth decay and enamel erosion. Instead, eat a balanced diet to help promote strong teeth and gums.
• Drink water: Water, especially fluoridated water, is essential for oral health as it helps remove food particles and bacteria, prevent dry mouth, and maintain saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and protect tooth enamel.
• Quit smoking: Smoking and tobacco use elevate the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, oral cancer, and other oral health issues. Quitting smoking can considerably improve your oral health and overall well-being.
• Protect your teeth: Consider wearing a mouthguard while playing contact sports to prevent dental injuries. Avoid using your teeth as weapons for opening packages or biting hard objects to prevent chips, cracks, or other damage.
• Pregnancy and oral health: If you plan to conceive, have a dental checkup. Due to hormonal changes, pregnant women may likely develop gingivitis and experience swollen gums that bleed easily. Practicing good oral hygiene during pregnancy is thus imperative to maintain gum health.

Moreover, scheduling routine dental checkups and cleanings every six months or as your dentist recommends is vital.

What qualities should you look for when visiting a dentist?

Choosing the right dentist is essential, as they will be a long-term partner in your oral health journey. When selecting a dentist, you must go beyond just booking an appointment and ensure they fit you. On your first visit, observe the cleanliness and organization of their workplace, as a well-maintained clinic reflects professionalism and hygiene standards. 

Pay attention to how the dentist and their staff interact with patients—do they create a welcoming and comfortable environment? Consider how smoothly they perform procedures and whether they explain treatments clearly. A good dentist actively listens to your concerns and makes you feel valued as a patient. Lastly, one should assess the quality of guidance the dentist and their team provide, ensuring they offer clear instructions and helpful advice for maintaining oral health.

How can you find the right dentist for yourself?

Once you understand a dentist's role and qualifications, the next step is finding one who suits your needs. Conducting preliminary research can help you choose a dentist who makes you comfortable and confident in managing your oral health. 

Start by asking for recommendations from family and friends. Their personal experiences can provide honest insights into a dentist’s strengths and weaknesses. Next, verify their credentials—American Dental Association (ADA) members must maintain up-to-date skills as part of their ethical commitment to patient care. 

Finally, schedule an initial consultation, which many dental practices offer for free or at a discounted rate. This meeting allows you to ask important questions, such as whether they use fluoride treatments and how they handle dental emergencies, helping you make an informed decision.

What should you expect during a visit to the dentist? 

Once you reach the dentist's office, they will ask you to sit on a chair so the dentist can inspect and clean your oral cavity. Dentists usually work with a dental hygienist who checks and cleans your teeth well. Then, the dentist will look inside your mouth to ensure that your gums are healthy and your teeth have average growth. The dentists will use tiny dental tools like a mirror, a special toothbrush, and a scraper. They usually use a scraper to remove plaque that grows on your teeth. Once done, they will brush and floss your teeth and educate you about brushing techniques.

Dentists can perform X-rays to identify the cavities hiding between your teeth and problems in your gums. They may check for abnormal growth in your teeth, causing overbite or crossbite. They may also refer you to an orthodontist for correction. Dentists can also perform fluoride treatments to strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities. 

How do you find the best dentist near you in Gaithersburg, MD?

Dentists play an indispensable role in maintaining dental hygiene and overall oral health. In addition to treatments, regular dental visits can help prevent the development of significant oral health issues. Apart from medications, they can perform several procedures to extract damaged teeth, whiten teeth, install crowns, and perform oral surgeries.

Finding a qualified, experienced, and knowledgeable dentist can be difficult and time-consuming. You might wait days to book an appointment or feel lost among the hundreds of dentists available online. Zocdoc can help you make the right choice and provides a solution to all your healthcare-related issues. You can access its directory of the best healthcare providers and choose one suitable to treat your condition.

With Zocdoc, you can conduct an area-specific search to locate the nearest provider. Enter the city and the specialty or condition. You can also filter out the providers who accept your health plan by including your insurance or carrier's name in the search. Rest assured, keeping your insurance information secure is our top priority. We follow industry best practices when it comes to protecting your data. Learn more about how Zocdoc handles data and privacy here. If you encounter any difficulties, refer to Zocdoc's patient help center.

Communication plays a significant role in the treatment; therefore, being comfortable with your dentist is crucial. Each provider associated with Zocdoc has a unique profile where you can read about their educational qualifications, board certifications, clinical experience, languages they speak, and whether they provide pediatric care. You can further access the user ratings and verified reviews to choose the best dentist near you.

Users can easily book a virtual or in-person appointment through Zocdoc. Based on your preferred dentist's availability, you can schedule a visit on the same day, 24 hours in advance, before 10 a.m., after 5 p.m., or even on weekends.

Booking appointments with Zocdoc is secure, simple, and free!

Prevalence of oral health issues in Maryland and the US 

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, during 2015-2018, around 13.2% of children between the ages of five to nineteen years, approximately 25.9% of adults in the age group 19-44 years, and nearly 25% of senior adults aged between 40-64 years had untreated dental caries in the country. A 2022 report found that approximately 64.1% of adults (18 and older) had a dental exam or cleaning within the past year. Additionally, in 2019, almost 86.9% of children aged 2 to 17 visited a dental office.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 66.2% of adults over 18 visited a dentist or dental clinic in Maryland in 2020. Roughly 8.9% of people over 65 lost 100% of their natural teeth due to decay or gum disease.

Sources

WebMD[1]

WebMD[2]

Maine Dental Association

Healthline[1]

Healthline[2]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]

Kneib Dentistry

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[3]

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

Johns Hopkins Medicine

Colgate

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.