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Dentists and their role in oral healthcare

Dentistry is a branch of medicine encompassing the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of teeth, gums, and mouth-related disorders. Medical experts who specialize in this field are called dentists. Besides maintaining oral health and hygiene, these specialists also oversee the management of the surrounding orofacial structures, such as the palate, sinuses, etc. Moreover, they are licensed to diagnose and treat oral, head, and neck cancers. 

Regular visits to a dentist can help boost dental health, which influences overall well-being. They offer guidance on dental hygiene, conduct routine checkups and screenings to ensure the jaws and teeth develop correctly, and control any possible dental caries in the preliminary stages. 

Dental specialists use X-rays and other imaging techniques before suggesting any treatment. They offer procedures such as repairing damaged teeth, fillings, and root canals. They can also clean teeth to eliminate decay and extract teeth if necessary. Moreover, they are licensed to perform surgeries and can manage oral trauma and emergencies. Dental assistants, hygienists, and lab technicians usually assist them.

Education and training of a dental specialist

Aspirants must complete a bachelor's degree program in a scientific area such as chemistry, biology, life sciences, or math. The next challenge is to pass the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) to apply for dental schools. It takes another four years to complete this course once they gain admission to an accredited dental school. 

The first two years of dentistry involve theoretical study, while the next two involve hands-on clinical training. A one-year compulsory rotating internship follows this. Upon completing this training, students receive a Doctor of Dental Medicine or a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. The total time taken to earn an undergraduate degree, followed by a dental degree, is around eight years. To begin practicing, doctors must apply for licensure in their respective states.

Many dentists further their studies to become certified in a recognized dental specialty. The authority overseeing this is the National Board of Dental Examination or NBDE. These specialty training can take anywhere between a year to three years. Some dental subspecialties that a dentist may choose to specialize in are:

• Dental anesthesiology
• Dental public health
• Endodontics
• Oral and maxillofacial pathology
• Oral and maxillofacial radiology
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery
• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Periodontics
• Prosthodontics

Tips to keep your teeth healthy

Gum disease and tooth decay are common conditions faced by many adults. It weakens your teeth and makes it harder for you to eat correctly. Moreover, it can cause bad breath and affect your mouth's overall health, leading to oral cancer.

The common causes for the above include:

• Tooth decay: It occurs when a thin layer of germs forms on the teeth, which can cause cavities and damage the enamel, also known as dental plaque. The hard outer coating is called the enamel, which covers the teeth. Tooth decay can also occur due to a dry mouth resulting from a preexisting condition or taking certain medications.
• Gum disease: This condition makes your gums tender, red, or bleed. It results from a buildup of plaque under and along the gum line. An infection can hurt the gum and bone holding your teeth. If not treated early, gum disease can lead to a severe form called periodontitis. You should see a family dentist near you if your gums are sore or bleeding or you experience chewing problems.

However, it is easy to avoid these conditions by incorporating the following steps in your daily routine:

• Brushing: Brushing your teeth regularly with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste will help prevent common dental problems. Use the brush gently on all sides of your teeth. Brush with short back-and-forth strokes and circular motions. Make sure to be gentle along the gum line.
• Keep your mouth clean: Clean your mouth by lightly brushing your tongue or using a dedicated tongue scraper. You should also use dental floss to clean between your teeth in places where the brush cannot reach. It helps to remove plaque from leftover food to prevent the growth of bacteria.
• Avoid certain products: Avoid cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, or other tobacco products. It can affect oral health and cause oral cancer due to the chemicals present in them. You should also limit the consumption of alcohol and do it in moderation.

When should you visit a family dentist near you?

Tooth pain and other dental problems are very commonly seen in the population. However, besides pain, there are several reasons why you may need to visit one. These include:

• Preventive care - A dentist can screen for signs of dental decay, gum problems, or mouth cancer. Frequent dental examinations will aid in the early detection of any issues. They will save time, money, and effort and assist in maintaining oral health. Additionally, dental hygienists can clean your teeth to remove plaque buildup, further preventing tooth decay and gum disease. 
• Pain or discomfort - It is vital to see a dentist near you when experiencing pain or discomfort in the mouth, teeth, jaws, or gums. Something may be wrong. Bleeding gums and trouble chewing or swallowing also indicate that one should schedule a dental visit to identify the root cause.
• Bad breath or halitosis - This embarrassing problem can significantly affect one's social life. Most of the time, an underlying dental condition is responsible for causing it. It can be caused by tooth erosion, oral cancer, gum disease, dry mouth, or plaque buildup. 
• Loose teeth - Unexpected tooth fallout or excessive tooth movement can indicate advanced gum disease or underlying cancer. Moreover, tooth loss may also be a preliminary sign of osteoporosis, which causes decreased bone density and tooth fallout.

Dental emergencies and how to handle them 

While not all dental issues qualify as emergencies, situations involving unmanageable bleeding, persistent pain despite medication, or fractures in facial bones require immediate dental care.

The first step in a dental emergency is promptly contacting your dentist for guidance. Many provide emergency contact numbers for after-hours assistance. If you don't have a regular dentist, visiting an emergency nearby is wise.

As for where to seek treatment, most dental emergencies, like fractured or dislodged teeth, can be handled at your dentist's office. However, for severe injuries such as fractures in facial bones, it's advisable to rush to the emergency room.

Below are steps to handle different emergencies until you can arrange for a visit to your dentist:

• For a severe toothache, begin by rinsing your mouth with water and then using dental floss to remove debris. If the area is swelling, apply a cold compress and take over-the-counter pain relievers. Seek dental care as soon as possible.
• If your tooth is badly cracked, save broken pieces, rinse your mouth, apply gauze if bleeding, and use a cold compress for pain and swelling. Here, too, it's crucial to see your dentist without further delay.
• If you have a broken tooth, hold it by the crown and rinse it without scrubbing. Then, try to insert it gently back into the socket. If you visit your dentist within an hour of doing so, it might save the tooth. But if you fail to put it back, store the tooth in milk or a unique solution. In either situation, consult your dentist right away.
• If you have an extruded or partially dislodged tooth, you must see your dentist immediately. While on your way to the clinic, apply a cold compress and take pain relievers if needed.
• A dental abscess is an infection that requires prompt medical attention. Rinse with a salt-water solution to alleviate pain and reduce swelling until you can see your dentist.
• If you've lost or broken a dental restoration, use sugarless gum or over-the-counter dental cement for temporary relief, and see your dentist promptly.
• In case of acute soft tissue injury, rinse with salt water, apply pressure with a gauze or a tea bag, and use a cold compress to control bleeding. Seek immediate dental or medical attention if bleeding persists.

Remember, these steps only provide temporary relief and help you manage the situation. In all cases, book an appointment with a dentist near you without wasting much time.

Essential preparations for your dentist appointment

Visiting the dentist requires proper preparation to ensure a smooth and efficient experience. Following these steps will help you get the most out of your appointment:

• Confirm your appointment: Call the dental office at least 24 hours in advance to confirm your appointment. Note the address and clarify any doubts about directions to avoid last-minute confusion. Ensuring your schedule aligns with the dentist's availability will prevent unnecessary delays.
• Maintain oral hygiene: Respect your dentist's time by arriving with clean teeth. Before your appointment, brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash to remove food particles. This small effort makes the examination or treatment more efficient and pleasant for you and the dentist.
• Understand the procedure: Know the purpose of your visit—whether it's a regular cleaning, cavity filling, or orthodontic treatment. Understanding the procedure in advance reduces anxiety and allows you to follow any pre-appointment guidelines, such as fasting if required. Your dentist will provide essential instructions during your initial consultation.
• Arrive on time: Dentists follow tight schedules, so punctuality is crucial. Arriving 10-15 minutes early allows time for paperwork and ensures your appointment proceeds as planned. Late arrivals may lead to rescheduling or longer waiting times.
• Be mindful of your diet: Before your visit, avoid strong-smelling foods like garlic, onions, or fish. Some procedures require dietary restrictions, so follow any instructions given by your dentist regarding food and drink consumption.
• Essential items to bring:

(a) Medical records: Provide your dentist with a summary of your health history, including current medications, allergies, past procedures, and recent dental X-rays (if available, within six months).

(b) Insurance and payment details: Bring your insurance card to determine coverage or carry cash or a card if paying out-of-pocket.

Finding a proficient dentist in Gilbert, Arizona

Constant tooth pain can significantly hinder everyday activity and functioning. Annual dental checkups are essential to foster good oral health and prevent such problems. However, finding the right specialist always takes the right kind of research. Zocdoc is a platform that will help provide all the information you need about any specialist.

Log into Zocdoc to find top-rated dentists in Gilbert, Arizona. You may begin your search by entering your location or symptoms in the website's search bar. A comprehensive list of dentists matching your search criteria will appear. You can consolidate them using advanced filters like language, gender, hospital affiliations, and whether or not they treat children. It will help you find the right dentist near you quickly.

Moreover, Zocdoc maintains a profile summary for each specialist. Each profile includes a brief introduction and information about their educational background, experience, awards, licensure, accreditations, patient reviews, ratings, and more. Reviews illustrate the bedside manner, wait time, and professional competence of the specialist as reported by previous patients. These reviews can help you decide on a suitable family dentist near you. Once you choose, you can book in-person or online appointments on Zocdoc. 

Additionally, you can locate in-network doctors who accept your insurance. If your insurance plan isn't there on Zocdoc, you can attempt to upload a photo of your card. This option is available for medical insurance cards, excluding vision or dental. We'll scan the image of your card and display your likely plan. If you encounter difficulties uploading your card image, contact our service team for assistance. Suppose you prefer not to share your insurance details with your provider when booking an appointment on Zocdoc. In that case, you will be prompted to either provide your insurance information or indicate that you will be paying out-of-pocket. Certain providers may require insurance information to schedule an appointment. However, if you do not have insurance or choose not to use it, you can effortlessly search for another provider on Zocdoc. For more insurance-related questions, please visit Zocdoc's patient help center.

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Statistics on dental health in Arizona

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlight that cavities, gum disease, and severe tooth loss are some oral conditions that primarily affect overall health and well-being. Almost one in four adults in the US has cavities. The percentage of children with cavities in their primary (baby) teeth was about 52% by age 8. Approximately 34 million school hours are lost each year because of dental emergencies. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also shared that among adults aged 30 years or older, about 46% showed symptoms of gum disease. Severe gum disease affects around 9% of adults. Untreated caries or gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Among people who belong to low-income families and current smokers, adults who lost all their teeth remain higher, about 6%, compared to about 1% of those from higher-income families or who never smoked.

Data from America's Health Rankings (2022) states that the number of adults who consult a dentist in Arizona was around 60.7% within the past year. People aged 65+ had the highest majority of dental visits, at about 67.4%, followed by people ages 45-64 and 18-44, at about 62.5% and 55.9%, respectively.

Sources

Aetna

WebMD

Maine Dental Association

America's Health Rankings

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Institute on Aging

Cleveland Clinic

Sleep Perfection

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.