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What is dentistry? Who is a dentist?

Dentistry is a medical branch focusing on the mouth, teeth, and gums. Dentistry is also known as dental medicine and oral medicine. This field entails researching, diagnosing, treating, managing, and preventing oral diseases, disorders, and conditions. Dentistry makes it possible to help people stay healthier and keep communities in good shape. 

A dentist is a healthcare professional involved in the profession of dentistry. They may be doctors, clinicians, or scientists devoted to upholding the highest standards of dental health. In addition to caring for the mouth, teeth, and gums, dentists also play a crucial role in identifying oral cancer at its earliest stage.

The oral cavity often displays primary signs of specific health issues and body conditions, which can be challenging to identify, but dentists, given their expertise, can easily recognize them.

The primary responsibility of dentists is to advocate good oral health, and their daily duties involve: 

• Managing and restoring oral health
• Assessing patients' overall health
• Advising patients on tips for maintaining good oral health and preventing disease
• Carrying out clinical operations such as examinations, fillings, installation of crowns and implants, extractions, and corrective surgeries
• Practicing dentistry in one of the many dental specialties

The dental tasks aren't performed solely by dentists but rather by a team of professionals working alongside them. The group comprises dental hygienists, assistants, and lab technicians; the dentist is their leader. The team-oriented approach makes it possible to ensure comprehensive and top-notch care for the patients.

Moreover, dentistry is a very demanding branch of medicine. The field continues to advance in technology, tools, and research. Studies conducted in this area involve:

• Genetic manipulation.
• Exploring links between oral and systemic illnesses.
• Developing saliva-based diagnostic tools.

Therefore, it becomes essential for dentists to stay up-to-date on the same.  

Specialties within dentistry

Dentistry specializations require more advanced knowledge, skills, and training than general dentistry education. The recognized dental specialties aim to improve the standard of treatment and safeguard the public. They also advance the art and science of dentistry. 

The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes the following 12 specialties of dentistry:

• Dental public health focuses on identifying, controlling, and preventing dental conditions. It also promotes oral health through coordinated community initiatives such as research, education, and group dental care programs.
• Endodontics centers on the physiology, morphology, and pathology of the dental pulp and surrounding tissues. Its scope encompasses research and application in clinical sciences, delving into the biology of healthy pulp and the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of ailments and injuries affecting the pulp and related external tissues.
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the area of expertise that focuses on the practical and aesthetic elements of the firm and pliable tissues within the oral and maxillofacial zones. It also diagnoses and provides surgical treatment or medication for various disorders, diseases, injuries, and anomalies.
• Oral and maxillofacial radiology involves prescribing, conducting, and interpreting tests for diagnostic purposes and treating conditions affecting the craniofacial complex.
• Oral medicine is responsible for treating the oral health needs of medically complex individuals and diagnosing and treating medically related issues that affect the oral and maxillofacial region.
• Oral and maxillofacial pathology specializes in diagnosing and non-surgically treating temporomandibular, maxillofacial, and oral diseases and disorders. It also provides dental care for patients with underlying medical conditions. Two practical aspects of this expertise are oral pathology and oral medicine.
• Orofacial pain includes diagnosing and treating pain disorders affecting the jaw, mouth, face, head, and neck. The specialty is committed to enhancing access to interdisciplinary patient care. 
• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics specialize in observing, directing, and correcting developing or fully developed dentofacial structures and identifying, preventing, and treating any abnormalities related to these structures.
• Periodontics is the science of identifying, preventing, and treating conditions and diseases affecting the tissues surrounding teeth. It also preserves these tissues' structural integrity, aesthetic appeal, and physiological function.
• Pediatric dentistry delivers primary, preventative, and therapeutic oral health diagnosis, care, and consulting expertise for infants, children, and adolescents with distinctive care needs.
• Prosthodontics concerns diagnosing, restoring, and maintaining the patient's oral function, comfort, appearance, and health by restoring natural teeth. It may use artificial materials to replace missing teeth, adjacent oral and maxillofacial tissues, and surrounding structures.
• Dental anesthesiology involves providing patients with advanced sedation and general anesthesia, enabling them to undergo dental and oral surgery treatments they might not otherwise be able to receive.

Depending on your condition, choosing the best specialist can help with better treatment and care. Moreover, it can save time and money. 

What are the most common dental issues?

You can prevent recurring dental issues by brushing twice daily, flossing daily, maintaining a healthy diet, and scheduling regular check-ups. Educating yourself about the problems can also aid in prevention. The most common dental hygiene issues include:

• Bad breath or halitosis is an awkward problem that affects many people. Most of the time, an underlying dental condition causes it. Gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, dry mouth, or bacteria on the tongue can cause it.
• Cavities, or tooth decay, are the second most common dental problem in the United States. It occurs when plaque on the teeth combines with starch, sugar, and bacteria. The resulting product produces acids that attack the tooth enamel. Dry mouth, aging, and normal enamel erosion can cause cavities.
• Periodontal or gum disease is a gum infection that leads to adult tooth loss. Its symptoms include bad breath, swollen and bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, and chewing pain. Diabetes, dry mouth, and smoking are significant risk factors.
• Oral cancer is a severe and fatal condition commonly occurring in people aged 40 and above. It is often curable if diagnosed and treated in the earlier stages. Smoking or chewing tobacco, alcohol abuse, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are the most prominent risk factors. Standard mouth or throat cancer symptoms include sores, lumps, or difficulty chewing or moving the tongue or jaw.
• Mouth sores can be of many types and are very bothersome. Unless they last more than two weeks, they are not a significant cause of concern. Common mouth sores include canker sores (triggered by varying causes), fever blisters or cold sores (caused by the Herpes simplex virus), and thrush (caused by yeast infection).
• Acid attacking the enamel causes tooth erosion, resulting in the loss of tooth structure.
• Tooth sensitivity is another common issue that involves pain and discomfort from sweets, cold air, hot or cold beverages, and ice cream.
• Toothaches and dental emergencies can include a broken or cracked tooth, an abscessed (pus) tooth, or accidental tooth loss.

What procedures do dentists perform?

General dentists act as the first defense against various oral health conditions. Although they do not specialize in a particular field of dentistry, they can still perform minor dental procedures. In complex cases, they may refer you to a specialist. Some of the standard procedures done by dentists include the following:

• Fillings: Dental fillings are a procedure to help repair the damage to the teeth or the structure of a tooth. This damage can occur due to wear, trauma, or tooth decay. Dentists may use different filling materials, such as composite resin, porcelain, amalgam, or gold. Each material has its unique advantages and disadvantages. Your dentist will help you determine the best material appropriate for your case.
• Root canals: The root canal removes infected pulp tissue within the tooth's root chamber. Dentists then fill the hollowed-out tooth with an antibacterial filling and 'cap' it with a crown for additional protection. Generally, the procedure is performed by endodontists specializing in root canals, but general dentists can also perform it.
• Crowns: Dentists can help repair extensively damaged or decayed teeth with the help of dental crowns. These can be made of silver, gold, porcelain, and metal. Some dentists also use CAD/CAM technology to fabricate dental crowns. In other cases, dentists may use dental veneers to replace the requirement of a dental crown. For the procedure, you can visit a general dentist near you or book an appointment with a prosthodontist or a cosmetic dentist.
• Dentures: People can get dentures to help replace damaged or missing teeth. It is recommended when the teeth are irreparable. Cosmetic dentists, prosthodontists, and general dentists can perform the procedure. However, the difference may lie in materials, expertise, and technology.
• Bridges: Dentists can help replace missing teeth with dental bridges. They use artificial replacements, called pontics, and anchor them in place to surrounding teeth with composite materials. Like the previous procedures, bridges can be placed by general dentists, cosmetic dentists, or prosthodontists.

Best foods to boost your dental health

What you eat has a direct impact on your oral health. While brushing and flossing remain essential, incorporating nutrient-rich foods into your diet can strengthen enamel, fight bacteria, and support gum health. Here's a breakdown of the best foods that support a healthy mouth—and you can always consult a dentist near you to personalize your dental diet.

• Nuts: Nuts offer a powerhouse of nutrients. Almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews contain calcium and phosphorus, vital minerals for enamel health. Cashews also stimulate saliva production, aiding in natural teeth cleansing. Walnuts provide beneficial nutrients like fiber, folic acid, zinc, magnesium, and vitamins B6 and E—all essential for oral health.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables: Crunchy fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery are natural toothbrushes. Their fibrous texture scrapes off plaque and freshens breath. These foods are also packed with antioxidants, especially vitamin C, which strengthens gums and protects oral tissues from bacterial infections.
• Tea and coffee: Black and green teas contain polyphenols—compounds that act as antioxidants and reduce inflammation. These polyphenols also help fight bacteria responsible for cavities and gum disease. Enjoy these beverages in moderation to harness their oral health benefits.
• Cranberries and raisins: Fresh cranberries disrupt plaque formation due to their polyphenol content. Raisins, particularly sugar-free ones, contain phytochemicals like oleanolic acid, which inhibit harmful oral bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, known culprits in tooth decay and gum disease.
• Meats and fatty fish: Chewing meat stimulates saliva flow, naturally reducing acidity and washing away food debris. Organ and red meats are rich in essential minerals, while fatty fish like salmon and plant-based options like tofu are loaded with phosphorus, a key component in enamel maintenance.
• Strawberries and vitamin C-rich berries: Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and malic acid, which support collagen synthesis in teeth and may even brighten enamel. To strengthen gum tissues, include fruits like pineapples, tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers.
• Broccoli and kiwis: Fresh broccoli provides vitamins C and K essential for gum integrity and natural tooth cleaning. Kiwis offer high vitamin C levels, which enhance immunity, reduce inflammation, and combat oral infections.
• Garlic and onions: While not breath-friendly, garlic's allicin and raw onion's sulfur compounds provide antimicrobial benefits, reducing bacteria linked to cavities and periodontal disease.
• Whole grains: They contain complex carbs that don't feed bacteria as easily as refined sugars. These grains also deliver essential vitamins and minerals for strong teeth and gums.
• Sweet potatoes: These are loaded with vitamin A, supporting gum tissue and keratin production, which are vital for enamel formation.
• Shiitake mushrooms: These fungi contain lentinan, a polysaccharide that actively prevents bacterial growth in the mouth, offering natural protection against decay.

How do you locate trusted dentists in Montclair, New Jersey?

Good oral health is the key to good general health. It improves a person's ability to speak, smile, and feel confident. However, many people suffer from embarrassment, severe pain, or disability due to oral disorders, including cavities and oral cancer. Cases like these call for immediate attention from an expert. But again, finding trustworthy dentists in New Jersey is a challenging task. It is where Zocdoc comes to your rescue!

Start by signing up for a free Zocdoc account to book an appointment with a dentist near you. Enter your condition, treatment preferences, insurance, or preferred specialist in the search box. You can choose your insurance plan from the search filters or update your Zocdoc account's insurance details to get refined results from dentists who accept your insurance. If you're searching from a smartphone, you can easily upload a picture of your insurance card on the Zocdoc app to get filtered results. Feel free to check out Zocdoc's patient help center to learn about insurance-related FAQs.

After entering your search criteria, you can access a list of thousands of medical practitioners near you. You will see all the relevant results with the highest-rated providers in your vicinity at the top. You can further narrow the list using advanced filters, like the language proficiency of a dentist, the average wait time, the dentist's location, and more.

Visit the chosen dentist's profile page to learn more about their dentistry education, professional experience, credentials, awards, and licenses. Plus, you can access verified reviews and ratings of previous patients to make a wise decision. Appointments can be made online or in person, based on the dentist's availability.

Zocdoc offers cost-free, quick, and safe bookings, making it the ideal platform for finding a dentist near you.

Statistics on dental health in New Jersey

The New Jersey State Health Assessment Data presents the Health Indicator Report of Deaths due to Oropharyngeal Cancer. According to the report, the rate of deaths per 100,000 in New Jersey was roughly 1.9 between 2018 and 2020. It also stated that males are twice as likely as females to receive an oropharyngeal cancer diagnosis.

As per the New Jersey State Health Assessment Data, 2020 reported approximately 857 male and 400 female New Jersey citizens receive oral and pharyngeal cancer diagnoses. The tongue, floor of the mouth, gums, lip, tonsil, or lower pharynx are the most typical locations for oral cavity and pharynx cancers. The primary reasons behind oral cavity cancer often stem from high levels of alcohol intake and the use of tobacco in various forms, such as smoking, chewing, and smokeless tobacco.

Sources

American Dental Education Association[1]

American Dental Education Association[2]

American Dental Education Association[3]

National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards

Canadian Dental Association 

New Jersey State Health Assessment Data[1]

New Jersey State Health Assessment Data[2]

New Jersey State Health Assessment Data[3]

Verywell Health

Consumer Guide To Dentistry

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.