Who is a dentist, and what conditions do they treat?
A dentist is a skilled professional who diagnoses, treats and prevents oral diseases, encompassing conditions affecting the mouth, teeth, and gums, among others. Dentists hold advanced degrees such as Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS).
During a dental checkup, dentists employ a range of medical equipment and tools, such as scalpels, brushes, X-rays, lasers, and drills, to check teeth for cavities, decay, and gum or jawbone abnormalities. Further, dentists can prescribe medications, as well as perform procedures such as:
- Root canal treatment (RCT)
- Filling cavities with dental sealant
- Remove or repair damaged teeth
Dentists work with a team of health professionals, including lab technicians, hygienists, and dental assistants, in a private or clinic/hospital setting. Notably, certain dental specialties, like cosmetic dentistry, concentrate on improving smiles through reconstructive procedures. Some common diseases that dentists treat include the following:
- Cavities
- Bleeding gums
- Oral cancers
- Dental issues associated with eating disorders
- Jaw pain
- Teeth grinding
- Gingivitis
- Gum disease
What are the different dental specialties?
The National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards (NCRDSCB) recognizes the following 12 subfields in which dentists can specialize:
Orthodontists diagnose, prevent, manage, and treat malocclusion or crooked teeth. They also deal with skeletal and neuromuscular abnormalities in the mature or developing oral structures. Orthodontists use braces, retainers, and other corrective dental appliances to straighten teeth and improve bite.
The oral medicine specialty focuses on medically complex patients' oral health care needs. These specialists diagnose, treat, and manage oral and maxillofacial issues arising due to the ongoing medical treatment of patients.
- Pediatric dentistry or pedodontics
The specialty focuses on primary and comprehensive oral healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric dentists can detect the early signs of tooth decay, falling teeth, crowding or crooked teeth, and other oral disorders in children.
- Oral and maxillofacial pathology
The specialty combines dentistry and pathology to investigate the causes, effects, and processes of diseases affecting the mouth, face, and jaws.
Endodontics focuses on issues affecting the soft dental pulp, encompassing nerve tissue and blood vessels inside the tooth. Endodontists perform root canals and endodontic surgery.
- Oral and maxillofacial radiology
The specialty combines dentistry and radiology to interpret data and images to diagnose and treat disorders affecting the oral and maxillofacial region (mouth, jaws, and face).
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery
It focuses on using surgery to treat defects, injuries, and diseases affecting the aesthetic and functional characteristics of the soft and hard tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. It includes surgery to the mouth, face, and jaw. These specialists work to remove masses, cysts, and tumors present in the jaw area.
The specialty focuses on preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting people's dental health through dental care and dental research.
Prosthodontics focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing deficient or missing teeth and oral and maxillofacial tissues with biocompatible appliances. Prosthodontists work to replace missing teeth and repair natural teeth in patients. They use crowns or dentures as permanent replacements for extracted or missing teeth.
The specialty combines dentistry and anesthesiology to manage anxiety and pain and ensure patient safety when performing oral, dental, and maxillofacial surgical or diagnostic procedures.
Periodontics focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases affecting the gums and the supporting bone structures of the teeth. Periodontists treat gingivitis and periodontitis (bones and gum disease).
The specialty focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing various pain disorders affecting the face, mouth, neck, head, and jaws.
What are some common symptoms of dental problems?
Visiting a dentist once or twice a year, even if you don't have a toothache or any other issues, is beneficial. It helps detect potential oral problems and reveal any other serious health problems. It also ensures the maintenance of general oral health. For instance, gum disease is linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Poor oral health may also cause other bacterial infections (such as endocarditis and pneumonia), which can enter the body through the mouth.
Dental problems often exhibit subtle warning signs that, if diagnosed early, can prevent more significant complications. If you encounter any of the following indicators, promptly schedule an appointment with a dentist near you:
- Persistent mouth ulcers, sores, or tender areas: The presence of ulcers, sores, or tender spots in your mouth that fail to heal within a week or two might indicate an underlying dental health concern.
- Bleeding or swollen gums: Gums that bleed or appear swollen after brushing or flossing could signify gum disease, requiring prompt attention to prevent further progression.
- Chronic bad breath: Consistent bad breath, even when maintaining oral hygiene, may indicate an underlying dental issue or potential oral infection that requires evaluation.
- Sensitivity to temperature changes: Sudden tooth sensitivity or discomfort to hot and cold temperatures could indicate enamel erosion, gum recession, or other dental problems.
- Persistent pain or toothache: Unyielding pain or toothaches should not be overlooked. These sensations may indicate cavities, infections, or other issues demanding immediate diagnosis and treatment.
- Loose teeth: Adult teeth should not feel loose. People must promptly address mobility or shifting of teeth to prevent further damage.
- Receding gums: Gums pulling away from teeth might signal gum disease or other concerns affecting tooth-supporting structures.
- Discomfort while chewing or biting: Pain or discomfort when chewing or biting down may suggest tooth or bite alignment problems requiring professional assessment.
- Facial and cheek swelling: Facial or cheek swelling, particularly when accompanied by pain, could denote infection or oral health complications.
- Jaw clicking or discomfort: Clicking sounds or jaw discomfort while opening or closing the mouth could indicate conditions like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
- Cracked or broken teeth: If you have noticeable cracks or breaks in your teeth, you should seek a dentist to prevent further damage or potential infections.
- Frequent dry mouth: A consistent dry mouth can contribute to oral health problems, as saliva protects teeth and gums.
Why are regular visits to a dentist essential?
Dental visits shouldn’t only happen when a problem arises, as prevention is always better than cure. There are many reasons to regularly see a dentist near you:
- Screening for oral cancer
One of the most vital aspects of routine dental check-ups is screening for mouth and head cancer. Dentists check for lumps in your head and neck and look for red or white patches in your mouth. While these examinations generally reveal nothing unusual, early detection of such cancers can be life-saving.
- The role of dental hygienists
Dental hygienists are an integral part of oral care. They focus on preventive treatments, like tackling gum disease, and guide you on the best practices for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Further, professional cleanings, such as scaling and polishing, help remove plaque and tartar. Their services and advice are invaluable for maintaining long-term oral health.
With teeth whitening becoming increasingly popular, misinformation about its safety and legality can lead to confusion. A dentist is the best person to consult for advice on whitening options. Dentists are well-versed in safe and effective treatments and are the only professionals legally authorized to provide professional teeth whitening services.
- Personalized advice and support
The internet is flooded with information about dental care, but not all of it is reliable. With years of professional training, dentists can provide trustworthy, personalized advice tailored to your needs. Building a relationship with a trustworthy dentist near you ensures ongoing guidance and support for oral health.
How can you maintain oral hygiene at home?
While seeing a dentist can help address dental problems, many common issues can be resolved and prevented at home by adopting good oral hygiene habits. You can protect your mouth and keep it healthy by incorporating oral care products and making diet and lifestyle changes. Here are a few ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy:
- Limit consumption of acidic and sugary foods (soda and sweet beverages like tea and coffee). These can cause teeth enamel to erode over time, resulting in cavities and stained or yellow teeth. In turn, it can lead to tooth decay.
- Ensure you use fluoride toothpaste, a standard practice for preventing tooth decay. The mineral helps strengthen or remineralize tooth enamel, thus decreasing the daily acid production by the bacteria in the mouth. While fluoride is naturally occurring, it has specific side effects in rare cases, such as dental fluorosis, if used excessively. However, studies have found that fluoridated water does not lead to any health issues.
- Avoid chewing or smoking tobacco products, which can lead to periodontal or gum disease and other health complications and diseases. Smoking often leads to discoloration of your teeth and inflammation of the salivary gland openings. Tobacco products weaken the attachment of bone to your teeth. Even smokeless products contain chemicals that can increase the risk of oral, throat, and esophagus cancer. If you are a smoker, you can try nicotine gum or patches to reduce the urge to smoke and help you quit. You can also approach your dentist or hygienist for a long-term solution.
- Brush twice a day, and use teeth products like mouthwash and dental floss. The American Dental Association recommends that people of all ages brush at least twice daily. Adding oral care products, like antiseptic mouthwash, can also help prevent cavities. Flossing using "interdental cleaners" or string floss and replacing your toothbrush every 3–4 months are other vital steps to maintaining oral health.
- Refrain from falling for DIY (do-it-yourself) dentistry trends online. Popular social media DIY ideas, such as oil pulling or charcoal strips to whiten teeth, may seem like quick fixes to all your dental problems. However, they may do more harm than good. So before you attempt any DIY trend, consult your dentist. They can suggest more effective as well as affordable alternatives.
How can you find the best dentist near you in Mesa, Arizona?
Dental health is crucial for overall well-being, making it vital to find the right dentist near you. Zocdoc offers a reliable solution that connects you with trusted healthcare professionals across the U.S. On Zocdoc, you can book either virtual or in-person consultations with top-rated dentists from the comfort of your home.
To book a consultation, follow these simple steps: Visit the Zocdoc website and register for free. Then, enter your condition or specialty, location, and your insurance plan. It will generate a list of health practitioners matching your requirements. Browse through all the Zocdoc dentists in and around your network and area.
If you have more than one insurance plan, you can add your medical, dental, and vision plans to your Zocdoc account. However, when searching for and booking an appointment, you can select just one insurance plan at a time. If you have a secondary insurance plan, you can include details about it in the notes section for the provider during the final step of the booking process. Additionally, if your provider uses Zocdoc’s intake forms, you’ll have the option to add your secondary insurance details when completing the forms online. If you encounter any issues uploading your card or have insurance-related concerns, visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
You can schedule appointments based on a provider's availability on Zocdoc. By clicking the "View all availability" tab, you can access the doctor's calendar and see their availability for the week or month. Plus, with Zocdoc, you can schedule appointments within 24 hours, including mornings before 10 am, evenings after 5 pm, and even on weekends, ensuring convenient access to oral care that fits your schedule.
Zocdoc profiles for dentists provide a wealth of information, including hospital affiliations, education, languages spoken, specialties, average wait times, and more. Patients can check the dentist's clinical experience, specialties, and certifications and read user-verified patient reviews to make well-informed decisions about their care.
All bookings made with Zocdoc are simple, safe, and free!
Statistics on oral health in Mesa, Arizona
As per a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics study, Arizona employed nearly 2,140 general dentists as of May 2023.
Data collated by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in 2020 shows that approximately 61.2% of all adults aged 18 and above residing in Arizona visited a dental clinic or saw a dentist in the past year. Of those who visited the dentist, the majority, or 64.4%, were females, while 57.9% were males.
Notably, individuals with higher education levels, such as college graduates (≈74.5%), were more likely to seek dental care compared to those without such qualifications (≈41.7%). In Arizona, among adults aged 65 and above, approximately 13.2% had lost all of their natural teeth, while roughly 27% had lost six or more teeth from tooth decay or gum disease.
Interestingly, research indicates that people who drink fluoridated water are less likely to develop oral cavities and other similar dental problems. According to the CDC Water Fluoridation Reporting System (WFRS), around 57.7% of Arizona residents received fluoridated water from the Community Water Systems (CWS) in 2020.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), around 1,160 new oral and pharynx cancer cases are estimated for 2024 in Arizona. The occurrence rate of cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx per 100,000 people was higher in men (14.1) than in women (4.6).
Sources
U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]
American Cancer Society
MouthHealthy[1]
MouthHealthy[2]
MouthHealthy[3]
Mayo Clinic
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
Healthline[1]
Healthline[2]
Healthline[3]
University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry
Oral Health Foundation[1]
Verywellhealth
Webster Dental
Oral Health Foundation[2]
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