Who is a dentist?
Dentists diagnose and treat gums, teeth, and mouth conditions. They are crucial in detecting early signs of oral cancer and other dental conditions. Additionally, they can catch signs of underlying health conditions and illnesses that begin to show symptoms in the oral cavity.
People should have regular appointments with a dentist to manage and improve their oral health. Dentists have various responsibilities, the most essential of which is promoting dental hygiene. They use multiple tools and equipment to provide dental care, such as scalpels, brushes, drills, lasers, and X-ray machines.
Moreover, they can perform tooth extractions, corrective surgeries, fillings, and other clinical procedures. They also provide consultations for dental crowns, implants, and braces. Most dentists conduct extensive research to discover links between oral conditions and systemic diseases, genetic engineering, and salivary diagnostics.
Education and training of dentists
Dentists undergo similar training to that of medical doctors. They must complete an undergraduate program in related fields of health, biology, chemistry, or math and obtain a bachelor of science degree. They must also take a dental admission test to apply for dental schools.
The first two years of medical and dental school are similar. Students complete courses like pathology, immunology, physiology, and anatomy. During the next two years, they focus on clinical practice and learn to diagnose and treat oral conditions.
Many dentists continue their education and training after completing around eight years of undergraduate and dental degrees. Their education process includes the following:
Furthermore, dentists can choose to specialize in the following areas:
- Prosthodontics
- Periodontics
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery, radiology, or pathology
- Endodontics
- Dental public health
When to see a dentist near you
The frequency of visits to a dentist may vary from person to person. Even if you brush and floss daily, at a minimum, you should see a dentist once every year, per ADA recommendations. High-risk populations, however, are advised to visit a dentist more often. These include:
- Smokers
- Pregnant women
- People with pre-existing conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes
- People on certain medications (such as steroids or oral contraceptives)
However, none of these are qualifying criteria to consult a dentist. If you suffer from any problem in the oral cavity or surrounding regions, including but not limited to bad breath, difficulty swallowing or chewing, or pain in teeth, feel free to book an appointment with a dentist near you. You can consult a specialist if you are unhappy with how your smile appears and want a cosmetic procedure.
Dentists are trained medical professionals who can diagnose and treat various problems. For instance, the pain or bleeding in the gums may indicate periodontal disease. Symptoms of pain do not always accompany such gum disease, so regularly going for a dental check-up is the best way to prevent them. If you have already developed gum disease, professional dental cleaning, and meticulous oral care would help eliminate it.
As a general rule, remember to brush twice daily and floss daily. Without interdental cleaning, you will not remove the film of bacteria and plaque that escapes ordinary brushing. Such plaque hardens over time to form tartar—which cannot be removed without professional help.
Common dental problems
Some of the most common dental disorders are as follows:
Gum disease: As previously mentioned, it is also known as 'periodontal disease' and may or may not cause pain. In the early stage (gingivitis), gums may turn red or bleed. However, the damage is reversible, and with a visit to the dentist, you can receive professional cleaning and advice on oral care. However, at later stages (called periodontitis), pockets may form under gums as they pull away from teeth, accumulating bacteria and plaque, and this may take a more severe form and result in loss of bone and tissue, which may even cause permanent tooth loss. Up to 47.2% of adults aged 30 or older suffer from chronic periodontitis in the USA. To prevent gum disease, clean between your teeth daily, consume a balanced diet, go for regular check-ups, and follow proper oral care.
Sensitive teeth: If you feel a sharp, tingling, or painful sensation while drinking something hot (tea) or cold (ice cream), you may suffer from sensitive teeth. It is a common condition and results from cavities, exposed tooth roots, periodontal disease, and fractured teeth or worn fillings. Usually, multiple protective layers cover the teeth to keep the nerves safe from sticky food or hot and cold food items. However, with wear and tear (or recessed gums), the dentin becomes exposed to these agents, allowing them to contact the nerve endings and producing the characteristic sharp, painful sensation. Proper oral care (brushing twice daily and inter-dental cleaning) prevents hypersensitivity or sensitive teeth. Your dentist may propose a desensitizing toothpaste or procedures such as crowns or root canals to treat hypersensitivity.
Other common problems include bad breath, mouth sores, toothaches, or complaints regarding patient appearance (such as a malocclusion).
Essential questions you should ask during your dental appointment
If you want to improve and maintain your oral health for a lifetime, your dentist can provide you with tailored advice. You can get the relevant information during your next appointment by asking your dentist the right questions. It is a good idea to record your queries in your notebook or smartphone before your visit so that you remember to ask everything. If you need ideas, the following list of questions is a good starting point:
Questions about oral hygiene practices
- Would you recommend using a manual or electric toothbrush?
- What type of toothpaste should I use?
- Should I include mouthwash in my oral hygiene routine? If so, can you suggest a good mouthwash?
- Can you explain the proper brushing and flossing techniques?
- Do you have any other oral hygiene tips for me?
Questions about preventative dental health
- How often should I visit for a dental exam and cleaning?
- Should I add and eliminate any foods from my diet to protect my teeth and gums?
- What are the best ways of keeping my teeth whiter?
- How can I avoid bad breath?
- Does my lifestyle or family history put me at risk for any oral conditions? What prevention strategies can I implement?
Questions about the diagnosis and treatment of dental conditions
- What are the leading causes of my dental condition?
- What are my treatment options?
- Can you explain the dental procedure?
- What are the benefits and risks of the recommended dental procedure?
- Will you use anesthesia for pain management?
- Will I need follow-up care?
Finding a dentist near you in Houston, TX
While 80% of dentists in the U.S. are general practitioners and can treat various dental problems, a minority (~20%) are specialists. These dental professionals often undergo additional training and finish residencies in their specialty before practicing as specialists. On the other hand, they may charge higher fees and have less availability.
However, you don't need to worry about finding the right dentist. Zocdoc lets you search for a dentist based on your problem (such as 'ceramic braces') or a preferred specialty (endodontist) and displays the highest-rated dentists in your neighborhood. You can also book an appointment for a regular check-up. If you have concerns, feel free to talk it out with your dentist.
Many people feel that visits to the dentist may be too expensive or not fit into their busy schedule. With Zocdoc, you can check a provider's page for sliding scale fees and the health network benefits they accept and book a slot at your convenience. Most importantly, Zocdoc displays verified patient reviews that detail their entire experience.
If you do not have a dental health plan, you can still look for providers on Zocdoc. In the search bar, mention "I'm paying for myself," thus acknowledging that you are ready for out-of-pocket expenses. We will match you with dentists near you who offer care to patients without insurance coverage. Do you have any more insurance-related queries? Feel free to review the comprehensive guide on our patient help center page.
Bookings on Zocdoc are accessible, secure, and free!
Dental health in Houston, TX
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2023, 10,910 general dentists were legally practicing in Texas. Houston is a city in Harris County. A report published by the Houston State of Health in 2021 stated that there were about 74 dentists for every 100,000 people in Harris County. Another report by the same organization noted that in 2020, around 48.5% of adults in Houston, TX, visited the dentist.
According to the report "Oral Health Among Texas Children" published by the Texas Health and Human Services, between 2018 and 2019, 78.3% of children in the state had excellent or perfect teeth, and 14.5% had one or more oral health issues. The report also stated that 11.6% of children had tooth decay or cavities. During this year, 77.8% of children made one or more preventive dental care visits.
Another Texas Health and Human Services report, titled "Adults and Oral Health," stated that 60.7% of adults in Texas made a dental visit in 2018. The report also said that 6.4% of adults between 18 and 65 and 4% of adults over 65 visited the hospital emergency department for dental problems.
Sources
American Dental Association[1]
American Dental Association[2]
American Dental Association[3]
American Dental Association[4]
American Dental Education Association
WebMD
Lincoln Memorial University
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Houston State of Health[1]
Houston State of Health[2]
Texas Health and Human Services[1]
Texas Health and Human Services[2]
Radiance Dental
Fremont Dental Group
Absolute Dental
Oakville Place Dental Office
