Oral health and finding the right dentist
Like other body parts, the mouth is teeming with bacteria, a few of which can cause disease. The mouth is the entry place to the respiratory and digestive systems, so it is necessary to ensure proper oral health maintenance to prevent the entry of pathogens. Poor oral health and hygiene may lead to oral infections, which can cause gum diseases and tooth decay.
Research has suggested that oral bacteria and the inflammation due to periodontitis (severe gum disease) could play a role in the pathogenesis of some diseases. Conditions like HIV and diabetes can lower the body's natural defense against infections, thus making individuals more vulnerable to oral health problems.
The saliva is also critical for maintaining oral hygiene by washing away food particles. It also neutralizes bacteria, which may cause diseases. However, medications like painkillers, antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and diuretics can reduce the saliva flow, thus exposing the mouth to pathogens.
If you experience problems with your teeth, gums, or mouth, it is time to book an appointment with the dentist. Experts recommend regular dental check-ups at least once a year, even if you are not experiencing oral problems. However, high-risk populations (such as those with compromised immune systems or pre-existing conditions) may benefit from more regular visits.
Dentists are medical professionals who treat diseases of the teeth, gum, and mouth. Dentists also perform fillings, root canals, veneers, crowns, bridges, and dental surgeries. If you experience any pain or discomfort in the teeth, bleeding gums, or other oral problems, it may be time to see a dental professional.
How does one become a dentist?
Becoming a dentist takes work. The education and training are similar to any other medical professional and require focus and dedication. There are 68 accredited dental schools in the US. These schools offer four-year programs. Generally, those looking to join a Dental School must have a bachelor's degree. The first two years in dental schools focus on teaching anatomy, physiology, microbiology, etc., and the next two years focus on clinical practice. Upon completion, the students receive a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS).
After earning the DDS or DMD degree, dentists can specialize in a subfield of dentistry. Dentists need to complete additional residencies after dental school to become specialists. These may last for two to three years. The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes 12 dental specialties, including:
- Oral and maxillofacial pathology
- Oral and maxillofacial radiology
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery
- Oral medicine
- Orofacial pain
- Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
- Dental anesthesiology
- Dental public health
- Endodontics
- Pediatric dentistry
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics
Dental check-ups: What to expect and why are they important?
Dental check-ups are important for several reasons, such as:
- Essential for overall health: Research indicates a relationship between oral and general health. For instance, gum disease has connections to high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Therefore, preventing oral health concerns can contribute to better overall health.
- Ensures preventive dental care: Preventive dental care, a combination of taking care of your dental health on your own and getting regular dental check-ups, helps avoid medical complications and allows your dentist to identify early symptoms of diseases.
During a typical dental check-up, your dentist will check your mouth, tongue, and gums for signs of oral diseases. Additionally, you can expect the following:
- Dental X-rays: X-rays of your teeth and jawbones help your dentist assess the goings-on under the surface of your mouth and diagnose conditions that are otherwise hard to detect. These conditions include bone decay, cysts, tumors, and impacted teeth (growing teeth that cannot push through your gum line).
- Head, neck, and lymph node checks: Your dentist will also inspect your jaws, neck, and lymph nodes for lumps, swelling, etc. These checks are crucial because while swollen lymph nodes do not usually hurt, they can still be signs of serious illnesses like oral cancer. If your dentist detects any abnormalities that require immediate attention, they will inform you of the possible causes and refer you to a suitable specialist.
- Lifestyle-related advice: Finally, your dentist will show you how to care for your teeth and gum health. If you have questions about how your diet or lifestyle (smoking, drinking, etc.) affects your oral health, they can clear your doubts.
Maintaining your oral health
Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. Experts recommend brushing twice daily to ensure that your teeth are clean.
Many people forget to clean their tongues. However, this should be a part of your oral care routine.
Flossing is also crucial in ensuring that your teeth stay clean. A dental floss helps clean spaces between your teeth where a toothbrush may not reach.
Smoking and tobacco products can significantly impact your oral health. Avoiding tobacco can reduce the risk of oral cancer and periodontal disease. Limiting alcohol intake can also help maintain good oral health.
Follow a healthy diet. Excess intake of vitamins or their deficiency can put you at risk of oral diseases. Limiting sugary foods can also help you to avoid dental problems.
Chronic diseases like diabetes can also increase the risk of oral complications, especially gum diseases. Treating gum diseases can also help control blood sugar.
Even if you do not have any oral problems, you still need to visit the dentist at least once a year, as per ADA recommendations.
Selecting the right dentist near you
Finding the best-suited dentist for your particular needs can be difficult. Before booking an appointment, you must ensure that the dentist can treat your condition and has the right training and experience in performing the procedures (such as fitting ceramic braces or performing a gum graft surgery).
With Zocdoc, you can easily find the top-rated dentists near you. You can also view the practitioner's profile and learn more about their education, experience, location, clinical interests, and insurance accepted.
First, visit the Zocdoc website and create a free account. Additionally, keep the below-listed points in your mind before selecting a dentist near you:
- Does the practitioner treat my condition?
- What services does the clinic offer?
- Where is the clinic located?
- What is the education and experience of the practitioner?
- What are the office hours, and does the practitioner have any facilities to handle emergencies?
- Is the clinic well-equipped?
- What do the reviews say about the practitioner?
- Does the practitioner have any publications?
- Is the practitioner a part of any associations?
Zocdoc's well-optimized search page can answer all your queries. By typing in keywords such as "dentists," "Phoenix," or "teeth cleaning," you will be directed to hundreds of dentists in Phoenix. You can view the provider profiles and even read verified patient reviews to select the best dentist near you. Booking with Zocdoc is quick, easy, and free!
Oral health in Arizona
Despite being avoidable, tooth decay is the most common chronic oral health condition in children in Arizona. Missing teeth are also common in around 33% of adults aged over 65 years.
One in four persons from Arizona from low-income groups says that they have poor oral health. The most common oral health problem for low-income people is biting and chewing. There are also disparities across socioeconomic groups: 34% from low-income groups, 10% from middle-income groups, and 17% from high-income groups report trouble finding a dentist as a reason for not visiting one.
The Arizona Oral Health Action Plan 2019-2022 has been formulated to promote good oral health across the state's population. The plan's objectives include ensuring the improvement of oral healthcare for the people and the availability of such healthcare at reduced costs — to the satisfaction of the providers and patients.
Sources
Mayo Clinic
Shem Massian Consulting
Arizona Department of Health Services
National Institute on Aging
Periodontal Health Professionals
123Dentist
HealthPartners
Oral Health Foundation
