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Who is a dentist?

We all get through the day by the dint of a smile. Teeth are crucial for a smile and become your signature for pictures and selfies. However, only some find it easy to keep their teeth strong and healthy. Most people think brushing and flossing are enough to maintain good oral health. While those are good habits for the health of your teeth and gums, regularly visiting a dentist twice a year is necessary to enjoy the lifelong benefits of excellent oral health.

A dentist is a healthcare professional who cares for the health of teeth, gums, and other tissues in the mouth. They are scientists, clinicians, and scholars who dedicate their careers to developing high standards of oral health care. Dentists have the expertise to prevent, diagnose, manage, and treat oral issues and conditions.

Dentists are usually the first to detect the early signs of oral cancer and symptoms of other systemic body conditions that appear in the mouth. For example, based on the color, appearance, and texture of the tissues in the mouth, they can identify if you have diabetes or heart disease. They use advanced medical equipment like X-ray machines, lasers, drills, brushes, scalpels, and other tools to perform dental surgeries. In addition, dentists wear gloves, masks, and safety glasses during their consultations to prevent the spread of germs or bacteria.

What does a dentist near you do?

When you visit a dentist, they typically check your teeth and gums for any problems. They will also look for signs that indicate that your teeth are developing well as you age. Dentists work with other medical professionals to provide quality treatment. They lead a team with many members, including dental assistants, hygienists, and lab technicians. Dentists' roles and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating the overall dental and oral health of the patient 
• Guiding maintaining oral health and disease prevention
• Performing dental procedures such as fillings, crowns, implants, extractions, and corrective surgeries
• Identifying, diagnosing, and treating oral diseases
• Creating treatment plans to maintain or eliminate pain in the teeth and mouth 
• Interpreting X-rays, medical tests, and diagnostic tests
• Monitoring how the teeth and jaw grow and develop the growth and development of the teeth and jaw

What kind of education and training do dentists receive?

Aspiring dentists must first complete their graduation with subjects such as chemistry, biology, health, or math. After obtaining a bachelor's degree, they must enroll in a dental school. The first two years in dental school involve learning biomedical sciences in classrooms and laboratories. The following two years involve clinical practice. On completing dental school, students earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. 

All dentists must obtain a state licensure to begin practice. Dentists can become board-certified by clearing the National Board Dental Examination. They can also choose to specialize in a particular area of dentistry by completing a postgraduate residency, which can last one to three years, depending on the focus subject.

What are the various specializations dentists can take up?

Dentistry offers various specialized areas that practitioners may choose to focus on, including:

1. Pediatric dentistry (pedodontics): This specialty provides dental care to children and adolescents.

2. Endodontics: Endodontists excel in performing root canal therapy, particularly for complex cases that general dentists may refer to them.

3. Orthodontics: Orthodontists specialize in realigning bites and straightening teeth for improved health and function. They provide treatments like braces, clear aligners, and custom-made appliances.

4. Prosthodontics: Prosthodontists offer natural-looking dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures.

5. Periodontics: Focused on the tissues surrounding teeth, periodontists diagnose and treat gum diseases and related conditions.

6. Oral and maxillofacial pathology: Oral pathologists study oral disease causes and effects and provide diagnoses for complex cases.

7. Oral and maxillofacial radiology: These experts interpret dental X-rays, CT scans, and other imaging tests to assess oral and maxillofacial conditions.

8. Oral and maxillofacial surgery: These specialists address diseases, defects, and injuries of the jaws and orofacial structures. Common procedures they perform include wisdom teeth removal and other surgical interventions.

9. Dental anesthesiology: Dental anesthesiologists offer advanced pain management services for dental and oral surgery patients.

10. Oral medicine: This specialty involves diagnosing and treating individuals with chronic medical conditions related to oral health.

11. Cosmetic dentistry: Cosmetic dentists enhance smile aesthetics with dental treatments such as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and gum contouring. Some exclusively focus on cosmetic procedures.

12. Public health dentistry: These dentists design programs to enhance oral health within communities by emphasizing disease prevention.

13. Orofacial pain management: Dentists in this field focus on diagnosing, treating, and preventing pain in teeth, jaws, head, and face.

14. Reconstructive dentistry: This specialty addresses extensive cavities or gum disease, requiring comprehensive treatments and multiple appointments for full mouth rehabilitation.

15. Forensic dentistry: Forensic dentists analyze dental records and examine teeth for legal purposes. 

16. Implant dentistry: Dental implants are a common, long-term tooth replacement option placed by implant dentists. 

These specialized areas enable dentists to tailor their expertise and care to diverse patient needs, ensuring comprehensive dental health services.

General dentist vs. cosmetic dentist

While general and cosmetic dentists receive considerable education and training in dentistry, they specialize in different fields.

A general dentist's main objective is their patients' overall dental health. They diagnose and treat common dental issues and educate their patients on healthy oral hygiene routines.

On the other hand, a cosmetic dentist focuses on making a patient's teeth, gums, or bites appear better. They offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry operations, including teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, and smile makeovers. Cosmetic dentists employ the latest dental technology and techniques to give patients natural-looking, long-lasting results while tailoring treatments to an individual's specific requirements. They can perform a few standard dental services, such as routine cleanings and fillings, but their primary focus is cosmetic procedures. 

How can you improve your oral hygiene?

1. Brush and floss daily

It is advisable to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to prevent damage to tooth enamel and gums. Angle the brush about 45 degrees toward your gum line to clear away plaque and bacteria and cover all tooth surfaces, including the backs and sides. Flossing daily is just as important because a toothbrush can't reach the tight spaces between teeth.

Take about a couple of inches of floss, wrap the ends around your fingers, and guide the floss between your teeth with your forefingers and thumbs. Shape the floss into a C around one tooth and slide it up and down about 10 times, then repeat on the adjacent tooth. If flossing is difficult, interproximal brushes or dental picks can help. While water flossers are good for removing larger food particles, they can't eliminate the biofilm on your teeth, so traditional flossing is still necessary.

2. Clean your tongue

Your tongue can collect bacteria much like a sponge, so giving it a quick brush is essential whenever you clean your teeth. You can use the same toothbrush or a tongue scraper found in most oral care aisles.

3. Use an antibacterial mouthwash

Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash daily helps keep harmful oral bacteria in check, flushes away food debris, and reduces plaque buildup. It's best to use an alcohol-free option to avoid drying out your mouth.

4. Avoid tobacco products

Smoking and other forms of tobacco are major contributors to gum disease and oral cancer. The best approach is to quit entirely. Talk to your healthcare provider about treatments or programs to help you stop.

5. Stay consistent

Consistency is the most essential part of any oral hygiene routine. Develop habits you can stick with daily, and talk to your dentist about a care plan tailored to your specific needs.

Is there a link between oral health and overall health? 

Like other body parts, your mouth also works with good bacteria. However, since the mouth is the entry point to the digestive and respiratory systems, bacteria in the mouth may cause diseases if they enter our bloodstream.

Usually, the body's natural defenses and routine dental hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing, can keep germs under control. However, it is sometimes hard to keep up with daily oral care. You might miss a few weeks of flossing or brush only once daily due to a lack of time and energy. During these times, bacteria might cause oral infections like tooth decay and gum disease.

Moreover, certain medications can reduce the flow of saliva. Some of these include decongestants, painkillers, diuretics, and antidepressants. When your mouth secretes a lot of saliva, it helps wash away the food and neutralizes bacterial acids in your mouth. Saliva also protects your body from microbes that multiply and cause many diseases. Hence, you must talk to your dentist about your medications. They can help you find a balance and suggest other alternatives to improve your dental and overall health.

Reasons to visit a dentist near you

Searching for and finalizing a dentist near you accepting new patients is a good idea. This is because you should see a dentist at least once every six months, regardless of whether or not you have an oral condition. A dentist visit can benefit you in many ways. Dentists can screen you for other health conditions, provide dental check-ups, and help you maintain quality dental health. However, you might have to immediately consult a dentist if: 

1. You have pain, swelling, or lumps in your mouth, face, or neck. 
2. When you brush, floss, or chew food, your gums appear puffy and bleed.
3. You and your family members are prone to oral diseases.
4. You are hoping for a brighter smile or worried about a missing tooth.
5. You have fillings, dental implants, or dentures. Regularly visiting a dentist will help ensure everything is in good condition.
6. You have diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders, or are undergoing any medical treatment.
7. You are pregnant. Pregnancy can sometimes trigger dental issues, so you must visit your dentist regularly. 
8. You find it challenging to chew or swallow food. Eat soft or liquid foods to protect your teeth until you can visit your dentist. 
9. You have a dry mouth. Dryness can be a sign of many oral diseases. Hence, it is a reason to visit your dentist. 
10. You smoke or use tobacco. Chewing tobacco can lead to many issues, from bad breath to oral cancer. Dentists can help you quit and improve your dental health.

What happens during a dental check-up?

Visiting a dentist near you can be scary for some people. However, knowing what may happen during a dental visit can be helpful and make it easier to prepare. Here are a few things a dentist may do during a dental check-up: 

• Examine your mouth, teeth, and gums.
• Ask about your overall health and any dental problems you may have experienced recently or since your last check-up.
• Ask about your eating habits and whether you use tobacco or alcohol.
• Advise you on how to enhance your oral hygiene and teeth-cleaning habits.
• Recommend treatment options for dental conditions if required.

Toward the end of your appointment, the dentist may recommend a date for your next visit. Based on your dental health and risk of developing oral problems, it could be within six months or later.

Find the best dentist in Portland, Oregon

Are you seeking the best and most qualified dentist in Portland, Oregon? If you have any dental concerns or need dental treatment and are looking for a dentist near you accepting new patients, visit Zocdoc. Dentists' education and training equip them with high-standard skills to treat and care for you. They also understand that oral health is directly related to your overall health. Hence, they work with other professionals, such as psychologists, to create a holistic treatment plan. 

Zocdoc can help you find the best dentist based on your needs and preferences. You can search for a dentist depending on your symptoms, condition, procedure, location, specialty, date, and insurance plan. These filters will come in handy if you want to save on travel or medical expenses. 

Moreover, you can rest assured that Zocdoc will keep all your health insurance information secure per industry best practices. Learn more about Zocdoc's data and privacy practices here. When you book an appointment on Zocdoc, you must either provide your insurance details or confirm that you're paying out-of-pocket. Some providers only accept appointments if you share your insurance information. If you don't have insurance or prefer not to use it, you can look for a different provider on Zocdoc. If you have any other insurance questions, you can contact Zocdoc's patient help center.

On Zocdoc, every doctor has a unique profile. You can find out all about their academic qualifications, medical expertise, research interests, affiliations, awards, accreditations, ratings, and the languages they speak. Moreover, every Zocdoc user can leave a comment after their appointment. You can read the verified reviews and better understand the dentist's treatment approach. Once you have made a decision, you can book an appointment online.

Booking appointments on Zocdoc with a dentist near you accepting new patients is simple, free, and secure!

Statistics on dental health in the U.S. and Oregon

The United Health Foundation states that around 66.7% of adults in the U.S. and 68.0% of adults in Oregon visited a dentist or a dental clinic in 2020. According to 2022 data, there are about 60.6 general dentists and advanced practice dental therapists per every 100,000 people across the U.S. The exact figure in Oregon comes to about 71.5 dentists and dental therapists per 100,000 people.

According to the American Cancer Society, the estimated number of new oral and pharyngeal cancer cases in the U.S. was 54,000 in 2022, and the number of deaths due to these kinds of cancer was around 11,230. In Oregon, there were about 770 new oral and pharyngeal cancer cases in 2022, while the number of deaths from these cancers was about 200.

Sources

WebMD[1]

WebMD[2]

Nemours KidsHealth

Cleveland Clinic[1]

Cleveland Clinic[2]

ADEA GoDental

MedlinePlus

Maine Dental Association

Mayo Clinic 

MouthHealthy

Cancer Statistics Center

America's Health Rankings[1]

America's Health Rankings[2]

New Image 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.