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Who is a dentist?

A dentist is a doctor who helps in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral issues. They play a vital role in diagnosing oral cancer and other health conditions that start in the mouth before progressing to different body parts.

Besides detecting disorders, they can help you maintain good oral health, directly impacting your overall well-being. They also diagnose and treat conditions related to gums and teeth. Usually, a dentist's team consists of dental assistants, hygienists, and lab technicians supervised by the dentist. This team approach helps them ensure high-quality dental care.

Educational qualifications of a dentist

A dentist is a medical practitioner who undergoes a rigorous educational and training process similar to that of a medical doctor. The initial step entails completing an undergraduate program in a closely related field, such as biology, chemistry, health sciences, or mathematics, culminating in attaining a Bachelor of Science degree. Subsequently, aspiring dentists must undergo a Dental Admissions Test (DAT) as a prerequisite for admission to dental schools.

The comprehensive training process for dentists encompasses the following key stages:

• The first step is completing a two-year program in biomedical sciences, followed by an additional two years of intensive clinical practice.
• Attainment of a professional degree, either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM), signifies the successful completion of dental education's academic and clinical components.
• Dentists acquire a dental license by successfully passing written and practical examinations designed to assess their competency in dental practice.
• Dentists may pursue certification by completing the National Board Dental Examination and demonstrating proficiency in core dental knowledge and skills.
• Depending on their chosen area of specialization, dentists may be required to undertake a one—to three-year postgraduate residency program, which will further enhance their expertise and clinical proficiency. 

Specializations within dentistry

Various subspecialties come under dentistry to provide people with the best care and rehabilitation. Mentioned below is a list of subspecialties accepted by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialities and Certifying Boards: 

• Dental anesthesiology focuses on the art and science of managing pain, anxiety, and overall patient health during dental, oral, maxillofacial, and supplementary surgical or diagnostic procedures throughout the perioperative period. 
• Dental public health helps prevent dental disorders through organized community efforts to create awareness. 
• Endodontics specializes in the health of dental pulp and root canals. 
• Oral and maxillofacial pathology specializes in diseases of the mouth, teeth, and surrounding regions.
• Oral and maxillofacial radiology specializes in using X-rays and other forms of imaging to diagnose and manage oral disorders. 
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery provides surgical treatment of mouth-related diseases and injuries. 
• Oral medicine is responsible for the oral healthcare of medically complex conditions and diagnosing and managing disorders affecting the oral and maxillofacial region. 
• Orofacial pain encompasses diagnosing, managing, and treating pain disorders of the mouth, face, jaw, head, and neck. 
• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics: The orthopedics area of specialization is correcting dental and facial irregularities. 
• Pediatric dentistry takes care of the oral healthcare needs of infants and children through adolescence. 
• Periodontics treat diseases related to the gum tissues and bone supporting the teeth.
• Prosthodontics provides facilities for restoring natural teeth and oral structures with artificial devices like dentures or replacing missing teeth.

What are the most common dental issues?

Preventing recurring dental issues can be achieved by brushing twice, flossing daily, eating a healthy diet, and having regular check-ups. Educating yourself on the causes can also help.  

The most common dental issues include the following: 

• Bad breath or halitosis: This awkward issue affects many people. The most common reason behind it is an underlying dental condition. These may include gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, dry mouth, plaque buildup, or bacteria on the tongue.  
• Cavities or tooth decay is the second most common health condition in the United States. It occurs when plaque combines with sugars and starches in your food. It results in acids that attack the tooth enamel. Dry mouth, aging, and normal enamel erosion can cause cavities. 
• Periodontal disease, often known as gum disease, is an inflammation of the gums around the teeth. It is a prominent cause of adult tooth loss. Diabetes, dry mouth, and smoking are significant risk factors associated with this condition. Symptoms include bad breath, swollen and bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, and chewing pain. 
• Oral cancer is a severe and deadly disorder that commonly occurs in people aged 40 and above. It is often curable if diagnosed and treated in earlier stages. Smoking or chewing tobacco, alcohol abuse, and human papillomavirus (HPV) are the most prominent risk factors. The most prevalent mouth or throat cancer symptoms include sores, lumps, or difficulty chewing or moving your tongue or jaw.
• Mouth sores can be of many types and can feel quite bothersome. However, they are not a significant cause of concern unless they last more than two weeks. Common mouth sores include canker sores (triggered by varying causes), fever blisters or cold sores (caused by Herpes simplex virus), and thrush (caused by yeast infection). 
• Tooth erosion happens when acid attacks the enamel, 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. While not potentially lethal, it can cause mild to severe discomfort, so scheduling a visit with the best dentist near you is critical. 
• Toothaches and dental emergencies can include a broken or cracked tooth, an abscessed (pus) tooth, or accidental tooth loss.

Ideal pre-dental meal: Foods to avoid, And Other Rules

Usually, you can eat before seeing the dentist near you, especially if it's just a routine cleaning or check-up. Just make sure to brush and floss afterward. However, there are certain basics that you must know about the kind of food you consume before your appointments.

Foods to avoid before a dental visit

As mentioned before, your regular diet can stay, but it is better to skip some food items on the day of your appointment to avoid stains, plaque buildup, or gum irritation. The list includes:

• Sugary snacks or drinks
• Sticky foods like toffee or popcorn
• Items with artificial coloring
• Extremely hot or cold food
• Anything that triggers sensitivity

When you shouldn't eat before your appointment

Avoid eating if your scheduled dental procedure involves anesthesia, surgery, or blood work. That's because anesthesia can affect your ability to swallow or cause nausea if food is in your stomach. Food can also interfere with accurate blood test results.

If you're unsure whether to fast before your appointment, ask the dentist near you— they'll guide you based on your treatment.

How long before surgery should you stop eating?

It's best to avoid eating at least 5 hours before a dental procedure that involves anesthesia. This precaution gives your body enough time to digest food and lowers the risk of complications.

What can you eat before dental surgery?

Your last meal before a long procedure or surgery should contain protein. You can have things like eggs, chicken, fish, soy, or legumes, which help keep you full longer and prevent hunger during the appointment.

Dental emergencies and how to tackle them?

Any dental problem that needs quick attention and treatment can be classified as a dental emergency. It is important to note that not all dental problems qualify as emergencies. However, conditions such as uncontrollable bleeding, unrelenting pain that is unresponsive to medication, or fractures in facial bones require urgent dental care.

In the event of a dental emergency, here are the recommended steps to take:

• Contact an emergency dentist near you: Your first action should be to contact an emergency dentist promptly for guidance and assistance. Many dental practices maintain emergency contact numbers for situations outside of regular business hours.
• If you don't have a dentist: If you don't have a regular dentist or cannot reach them, it is advisable to visit an urgent care center or the nearest emergency room.

Good etiquette to follow before a dental visit

Before a dental visit, keep your mouth fresh by:

• Brushing your teeth properly
• Flossing to remove stuck food
• Using mouthwash to freshen up

These simple steps are good etiquette to follow before visiting a dentist near you. But remember—consistent oral hygiene is the only way to maintain great teeth.

How do you deal with dental anxiety?

Many people, whether young or old, often postpone or miss their dental appointments because of associated anxiety. It delays the necessary treatment and causes further oral health damage. Is there a solution to this problem? Fortunately, yes, there are various strategies that you can use to ease dental anxiety. Explore some of the most effective ones below:

• Inform your dentist: If you face dental anxiety, you should let your dentist know about it. They will discuss ways to make the process more comfortable for you. Besides, they can help you learn effective coping strategies to manage your fears.  
• Deep breathing exercises: Taking deep, controlled breaths can help you feel calmer and lower stress. 
• Meditation: It is a helpful way to bring inner peace. If you are having too many troubling thoughts, simply close your eyes and focus on different parts of the body from head to toe, relaxing them in the process. You can do this anywhere: in your car en route to the dentist's office, in the waiting room, or in the dentist's chair. 
• Guided imagery: You can use the power of imagination to distract your mind from negative thoughts and feelings. Visualizing happy thoughts or positive memories can help you feel better and more relaxed.
• Distraction: If listening to music or watching movies can put you at ease, check with your dentist to see if they will allow you to do that during your appointment. 
• Emotional support: Having someone you trust by your side during the appointment can also help calm your nerves. Ask a family member or relative to join you for the dental visit. 

Things to avoid before visiting a dentist near you

To make your appointment go smoothly, here's what you shouldn't do:

• Don't brush or floss aggressively
• Don't forget to check insurance coverage
• Don't wear heavy makeup
• Don't hide your medical history from your dentist
• Don't drink alcohol or take painkillers before the visit
• Don't smoke beforehand
• Don't hesitate to ask questions
• Don't drive if anesthesia is involved
• Don't go if you're unwell
• Don't forget to bring retainers or other dental devices

How to find the best dentist near you in Northridge, California?

If you have a toothache hindering your day-to-day activities or a sensitivity preventing you from enjoying cold beverages, it is time to visit a dentist. A dentist would be your best bet for diagnosing and treating the problem in such situations. With Zocdoc, you no longer have to endure the discomfort, as you can easily find a good, in-network dentist in Northridge.

To begin your search, enter your location (for instance, "Northridge, California"), doctor's specialty (dentist), and preferred appointment date in the Zocdoc search bar. If you have dental insurance, select your insurance carrier and plan from the drop-down menu in the search bar. Alternatively, if you do not have health coverage or do not want to use it to book your appointment, you can select the "I'm paying for myself" option. You can also visit the Zocdoc patient help center for more insurance-related information. 

An extensive list of medical and healthcare professionals will appear based on your search criteria. At Zocdoc, transparency is of utmost value. That is why we offer users a profile section for each provider listed on Zocdoc. It includes a brief introduction, educational qualifications, practice location, visit reasons, and, most notably, patient reviews and ratings for each doctor.

Moreover, you can filter your results based on gender and other parameters when looking for a suitable dentist near you in Northridge. If in-person visits are not possible, video appointments are also an option. You can book one by looking for a purple video icon on your chosen dentist's profile or by filtering out results using the video appointment option. 

The best part is that Zocdoc makes booking an appointment easy, secure, and 100% free!

Dental health stats in Northridge, California

According to the 2025 American Cancer Society report, there is an estimation for oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer that around 5,620 new cases will be diagnosed and about 1,190 deaths caused by the same in California. 

As per a Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey in 2020, about 9.4% of adults aged 65 and above in California reported losing all of their natural teeth owing to tooth decay and over 9% by gum disease. 

The same survey also showed that around 64.3% of adults aged 18+ went to a dentist in 2020. As per the National Survey of Children's Health, over 83.9% of children visited a dentist in 2018.

Sources

American Cancer Society

ADEA GoDental

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Tableau Public

Verywell Health

WebMD

Cleveland Clinic

Healthline

Dorsey Family Dental

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.