Who is a dentist?
Doctors who specialize in dental health are called dentists. They care for your teeth, mouth, gums, and oral cavity and can help prevent and detect oral diseases and severe health concerns such as heart disease and stroke. A dentist can conduct regular check-ups and cleanings to help with your oral care regimen.
Dentists undergo extensive training and education, including obtaining an undergraduate degree and four years of learning at an accredited dental school. Dentists in the United States typically have one of two prefixes before their name – Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine/Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD). Professionals with these degrees receive similar training and can perform the same dental procedures.
Dentists can become certified by passing the National Board Dental Examination. Some choose to specialize further, which usually involves a one- to three-year postgraduate residency.
A dentist acquires skills in using tools and equipment such as lasers, X-ray machines, drills, brushes, and scalpels. They can perform tasks such as filling cavities, removing plaque, repairing teeth, applying sealants, and monitoring jaw development and tooth growth. They often work with other dental care professionals, such as hygienists, dental assistants, and lab technicians.
Subspecialties in dentistry
When looking for dentists near you, you might notice that many have specific areas they specialize in. Choosing a specialist that works best for you can be confusing and add to the anxiety of finding the best and most reliable healthcare. Understanding the specialties within dentistry can help you determine the specialist best suited to treat your medical condition:
Some of the specialties within dentistry are:
- Periodontics: This dental specialty focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions affecting the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. This field involves preserving the well-being and functionality of your gums and the underlying bone structures that support the teeth. Additionally, periodontists play a role in the placement and restoration of dental implants.
- Endodontists: Endodontists are dental professionals with expertise in the physiology, morphology, and pathology of the tissues around tooth roots and dental pulp in humans. Specializing in this field trains dentists to examine and apply fundamental clinical sciences related to healthy dental pulp. Furthermore, it identifies, prevents, and treats illnesses and injuries that affect the dental pulp and tissues surrounding tooth roots.
- Prosthodontics: Prosthodontics is a dental specialization focused on diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care to ensure optimal oral function, comfort, appearance, and patient health. This field primarily addresses dental issues associated with tooth absence or insufficiency, often involving replacing missing natural teeth through dentures, implants, or bridges.
- Pediatric dentists: Practitioners in this discipline focus on delivering primary and thorough preventive and therapeutic oral care to infants, children, and adolescents. They provide dental care like cleaning and fluoride treatments, suggest nutrition and diet recommendations, repair tooth cavities or defects, etc.
- Oral medicine: Oral Medicine is a dentistry specialty dedicated to the oral health of individuals with complex medical conditions. Practitioners in this field receive training in diagnosing and managing diseases, disorders, and issues that impact the oral and maxillofacial region. This non-surgical specialization involves conducting diagnostic biopsies, minor excisions, therapeutic injections, and other minor surgical interventions.
Cosmetic dentist vs. general dentist
While both cosmetic and general dentists care for your teeth, they have distinct areas of focus and expertise.
A cosmetic dentist focuses on improving the aesthetic appearance of your teeth. Their primary goal is to assist you in achieving the perfect smile by incorporating several cosmetic treatments that fix issues such as teeth discoloration, misalignment, and other imperfections. These dentists usually have additional training and experience with advanced treatments such as teeth whitening, dental veneers, and smile makeovers.
In contrast, a general dentist oversees your oral health and well-being by providing comprehensive services for your teeth, gums, and mouth. They offer various dental care services, such as preventative check-ups, teeth cleanings, cavity fillings, etc.
What influences your oral health?
Several factors affect the relationship between oral health and overall health.
Common risk factors:
Periodontal disease and systemic illnesses share several risk factors, including:
- An unhealthy diet, particularly one rich in sugar
- Tobacco usage
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- High stress
These things can lead to periodontal disease or cavities, as well as systemic health conditions. So, if you have one or more of these risk factors, you may have additional health concerns.
Your body's reaction to bacteria:
This corresponds to your body's unique and inherent responses to bacteria. For example, our bodies develop an enormous defense against bacteria, which sometimes causes inflammation and other consequences.
People with periodontal and systemic disease typically experience higher levels of inflammatory molecules like C-reactive protein.
Certain medical conditions:
Some illnesses and conditions may lead to oral health issues. For example, people with poorly controlled diabetes are at a significantly higher risk of acquiring periodontal disease, which can worsen and become more severe. Similarly, osteoporosis is linked to periodontal disease, with research indicating that low bone mineral density can impair your jaw.
Important dental services
Dentists offer care in three primary categories – preventive dentistry, restorative dentistry, and emergency dental care.
- Preventive dentistry helps safeguard teeth from disease-causing bacteria and keeps oral problems at bay. Dental exams, cleanings, dental x-rays, sealants, and fluoride treatments are all part of preventive care.
- Restorative dentistry aims at repairing or replacing damaged or missing teeth. Crowns, bridges, fillings, and dental implants are restorative procedures.
- Emergency dental care, available 24/7, includes treatments such as root canals and tooth extractions. Treating knocked-out teeth is also part of emergency dental services.
Reasons to see a dentist between check-ups
Seeing a dentist whenever you encounter a small problem can help prevent it from becoming big. Here are some reasons to see a dentist in between your regular visits.
- Existing medical conditions: When you have chronic conditions (heart disease, diabetes, and eating disorders), you may be at a higher risk of dental problems such as gum disease and tooth decay. Medical treatments such as radiation, hormone replacement therapy, and certain prescription drugs can also make you susceptible to dental problems.
- Pregnancy: The hormonal fluctuations that are common during pregnancy put you at greater risk of tooth decay and gingivitis. Getting more frequent teeth cleanings and modifying your oral care regimen can help you reduce the possibility of dental problems when pregnant.
- Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums: When plaque builds up under the gumline, it can cause gum disease and cavities. Underlying medical issues, such as diabetes or some types of cancer, can cause these symptoms. A deep cleaning by the dentist can improve the health of your gums, and they might also be able to pinpoint the cause.
- Jaw pain and popping: If your jaw hurts or you hear a popping sound when you open and close your mouth, it could be a symptom of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Cysts and tumors are other possible reasons for these symptoms. A dentist can assess your jaw's condition and provide relief.
- Improve your smile: If you are unhappy with your smile or how it looks, you can seek dental care. Whitening treatments, veneers, and braces can help you achieve your cosmetic goals. Your dentist can help remedy crooked, stained, missing, chipped, or crooked teeth.
- Chronic bad breath: Persistent bad breath could indicate conditions such as infection, bronchitis, acid reflux, etc. Your oral health provider can diagnose the cause and recommend a treatment plan.
Which food items are harmful to your teeth?
The phrase "you are what you eat" carries significant implications for oral health. Various foods and beverages can contribute to plaque formation, posing serious threats to dental well-being.
To effectively combat plaque and safeguard your teeth, it is necessary to maintain a consistent oral hygiene regimen that includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and making routine visits to a dentist near you. Furthermore, being mindful of your diet by limiting certain foods can also be advantageous for your oral health. Here are some such food items:
- Sour candies contain higher levels of various acids that can be particularly harsh on your teeth. Their chewy texture also means they stick to teeth longer, increasing the potential for decay. Consider opting for chocolate, which is easier to wash away.
- As you chew bread, your saliva breaks down its starches into sugars, which can become gummy and linger in the crevices of your teeth, increasing the risk of cavities. Choosing whole grain options can help as they typically contain less added sugar and don’t break down as easily.
- Consuming alcohol can cause a dry mouth, reducing saliva production. Saliva actively contributes to oral health by preventing food from sticking to teeth and helping to wash away particles. To stay hydrated, be sure to drink a good amount of water and consider using fluoride rinses.
- Many are aware that soda is not ideal for dental health. Still, it’s important to note that sugary, carbonated drinks can enable plaque to produce more acid, ultimately attacking tooth enamel. Limit consumption, and avoid brushing your teeth right after drinking soda, as this can exacerbate enamel damage.
- While ice is just water, chewing on it can damage enamel and increase the chances of certain dental emergencies, such as a cracked or chipped tooth. It’s advisable to avoid chewing ice altogether and instead enjoy chilled beverages without it.
- While citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, etc) are rich in vitamin C, their acidity can erode enamel. To enjoy their health benefits, consume them in moderation and rinse them with water afterward to neutralize the acid.
- Although they might be a tasty snack, potato chips are high in starch, which converts to sugar and can get stuck between teeth. This sugary residue feeds plaque bacteria. After eating chips, floss to remove any trapped particles.
- Often considered a healthy snack, many dried fruits are sticky and can cling to teeth, leaving sugar behind. If you enjoy dried fruits, rinsing your mouth and brushing your teeth afterward would be beneficial. Fresh fruits are typically a better choice due to their lower sugar concentration.
How to find an experienced dentist near you in Lynnwood, Washington?
Consistently getting dental check-ups and practicing oral hygiene can benefit your overall health. Getting professional dental care at the appropriate time can help prevent complications such as tooth loss and eliminate the need for dental surgeries. If the hassle of finding a qualified dentist is deterring you from seeking dental care at the appropriate time, Zocdoc can help.
Start by creating a free account that gives you access to Zocdoc's extensive database of medical and healthcare professionals nationwide. Its insurance detector lets you pick an in-network dentist, while the location-based search ensures they are close to your home. You can also use convenient filters to refine your search based on areas of expertise or symptoms.
Enter your insurance information into your Zocdoc account to find in-network doctors. However, many providers ask you to bring your insurance card to the appointment. Contact Zocdoc's patient help center for any queries about health insurance.
After you get the list of possible matches, click on individual profiles for more details on each dentist's educational qualifications, board certification, and experience. The easy booking process allows you to pick slots based on their availability and your schedule.
Zocdoc's database also has healthcare professionals who offer after-hours and weekend appointments with dentists near you. All bookings made on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and completely free!
Statistics on oral health and dentists in Washington
According to statistics from America's Health Rankings for 2022, approximately 66% of adults nationwide reported having seen a dentist or visited a dental clinic within the past year. In Washington state, this percentage is slightly higher, at about 67.8%. Specifically, around 63.8% of individuals aged 18-44 in Washington accessed dental care, compared to 61% nationally. For older age groups, the figures increase significantly: about 70.3% of those aged 45-64 and approximately 73.2% of individuals over 65 in Washington also visited a dentist.
In terms of workforce statistics, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that as of 2024, there are approximately 113,490 dentists practicing in the country, with around 3,100 of those based in Washington state. Meanwhile, data from the Washington State Health Care Authority for 2018 shows that around 37.1% of the organization's eligible clients (all ages) in Snohomish County, which Lynnwood is a part of, received dental services.
Sources
WebMD
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Cleveland Clinic[2]
CareCredit
America's Health Rankings[1]
America’s Health Rankings[2]
Washington State Health Care Authority
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Healthline
California Dental Association
American Dental Education Association[1]
American Dental Education Association[2]
American Dental Education Association[3]
Healthychildren.org
Glen Burnie Dental Group
