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What is a dentist?

A dentist is a specialist trained in caring for teeth. In addition, dentists are qualified to treat gum and mouth problems. Dentists use equipment and tools such as lasers, drills, X-ray machines, and scalpels to diagnose conditions and conduct dental procedures. Your dentist can provide tips for good oral hygiene to ensure overall well-being. Most dentists work with a team comprising hygienists, dental assistants, and lab technicians.

To become a dentist, obtaining an undergraduate degree in science is essential. A dental admissions test and entry to an accredited dental program come next. After earning a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, the dentist can get a license to practice. They can then pursue a postgraduate program of one to three years in one of the specializations. Endodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral and maxillofacial radiology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral and maxillofacial pathology, periodontics, prosthodontics, dental public health, and orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics are some of the available specializations.

Some common oral diseases and their causes

Oral diseases can occur due to unhealthy habits such as consuming food and beverages with high sugar content, tobacco, and alcohol use. People with chronic conditions, like diabetes and heart disease, have a weakened immune system—this puts them at a high risk of having oral health issues like periodontal disease. Most oral health problems are preventable. If detected in the early stages, treatment becomes easy. Some common conditions include the following:

• Cavities- Also known as tooth decay, the tooth enamel breaks down due to acids produced by the plaque you see along the gum line and in the gaps. Fillings are the standard solution, but fluoride treatments help reverse the decay if the cavity is discovered early.
• Gum disease-  Inflammation and infections of the gums and bones around the teeth can cause gum disease or periodontal disease. If not treated early, you might lose the bone, weaken the teeth, and make extraction inevitable.
• Oral cancer- This cancer can affect the lip, the oropharynx, and other mouth parts. Tobacco and alcohol are leading causes followed by human papillomavirus infections. Your dentist might suggest a combination of radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery for treatment.

Which foods cause dental problems?

It is a well-known fact that our diet directly affects our health. However, certain foods and beverages can cause plaque buildup and eventually lead to cavity formation and tooth decay. While these foods need not be avoided entirely, eating them in moderation can help prevent tooth erosion. Here is a list of foods that are considered harmful to your oral health:

• Sodas and other sugary beverages—All carbonated drinks, including diet sodas, contain sugar. Cavity-producing bacteria feed on sugar, producing more acid in the mouth. Eventually, this leads to the erosion of tooth enamel. Sodas may also dry the mouth, leading to lesser saliva production, which speeds up the decay process.
• Sweet, sticky, and sour candies- Typically, candies have added sugars that feed harmful bacteria in the mouth and break down the enamel. Sour candies may also contain acids that are tougher on the teeth. Sticky candies remain in the teeth if not brushed out properly, leading to cavity formation and tooth decay.
• Sugary cereal and baked foods—These foods also contain several teaspoons of sugar, which may not be the best way to start the day. The added sugar can cause cavities and gum disease. Instead of ready-to-eat breakfasts and cereals, switch to a low-sugar breakfast like oatmeal and fruit. 
• Refined starchy foods and white bread—Chewing bread causes saliva in our mouths to break down the starches into sugar, which causes cavities. Additionally, starchy foods stick between the teeth. Thus, consuming less refined carbs, like whole grains, can be a helpful alternative. 

The effect of pregnancy on dental health

Pregnancy can make women more vulnerable to oral health issues due to the massive fluctuations in hormone levels. Poor oral health during pregnancy can harm the health of the mother and the baby. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 60 to 75% of pregnant women suffer from gingivitis. This gingivitis is an early-stage periodontal disease that causes inflamed and swollen gums. Premature births or kids born before 37 weeks of pregnancy are two outcomes of gum disease.

Pregnant women are also at risk of dental cavities, primarily due to the change in eating habits that usually occurs during pregnancy. It is essential to undergo periodic dental checkups during the entire pregnancy. If you experience any concerning symptoms, get them checked by an experienced emergency dentist near you as soon as possible.

What are the different types of dental restorations?

Depending on particular oral health needs, your dentist may perform various dental restorations. The following are a few types:

• Fillings: A cavity occurs when bacteria eat away at your tooth enamel, leaving a hole. Smaller cavities are typically treated with tooth fillings. During this process, your dentist will replace the decayed area of your tooth with a tooth-colored composite substance. This ends the development of tooth decay and lowers the likelihood of further decay.
• Crowns: Dentists use crowns to heal cavities and replace fractured teeth. A crown, often known as a cap, is designed to fit over your entire tooth. Your dentist will remove portions of your natural tooth enamel to place a crown. 
• Inlays and Onlays: A cavity can be too large for a filling but too tiny for a crown. In this instance, your dentist may suggest an inlay or onlay. These tailored restorations attach to the tooth's natural structure like puzzle pieces. Your dentist will permanently glue them into place. An onlay covers at least one of your teeth's cusps, whereas an inlay fills the space between them.
• Bridges: Dental bridges can repair single or many lost teeth. A bridge is made of prosthetic teeth with dental crowns on both sides. Your dentist will modify your natural teeth on each side of the gap. Next, they will attach the bridge to your natural teeth. Your natural teeth are covered with crowns, and the artificial teeth fill in the gaps.

What should I discuss with my dentist before undergoing a procedure?

Before you agree to any treatment, your dentist should thoroughly explain the procedure.  Consult with your dentist about any concerns. The following questions can be helpful:

• How long will this treatment take?
• What will be the cost?
• What are the potential risks and benefits?
• What will happen if I do not undertake this procedure?
• What are the other options?
• Can I choose which fillings will be used?
• What should I expect from the procedure?
• Will I feel any pain? How can I manage my pain?
• What can I do to avoid future dental problems?

What to expect at a dental appointment?

Knowing what to expect before seeing a dentist can help you prepare better for your consultation. Being prepared for a dental consultation will not only help you get the most out of your appointment but may also ease your dental anxiety. Preparing questions and discussing your doubts about a routine exam or procedure with your dental specialist will help them gauge your fears and find ways to make you feel comfortable. In case your dentist plans a treatment course, ask them about every step involved so that you can mentally prepare for your next visit.

During a typical routine checkup, the dentist will first record your basic health information, including your medical history, previous surgeries, tests, and medicines (including over-the-counter medications). After you are seated in a dental chair, a dental hygienist will place a plastic cover or paper on your chest. Your dentist will then closely check your mouth and ask where you have been experiencing pain and other symptoms. 

A routine checkup involves examining the teeth for cavities, decay, or gaps between your teeth. Your dentist may also try to identify other oral problems, such as those within the supporting bone structures, gum disease, or tartar buildup. They may take an X-ray to understand further and diagnose your condition. Dental cleaning involves removing any plaque buildup. In case of deep cavities, you may require a filling.

A root canal treatment may be necessary for infection in the roots of a tooth. Depending on the nature of your condition, a general dentist may refer you to a specialist, such as an endodontist or orthodontist. 

What is a dental emergency, and how can you identify one?

Dental emergencies are `life-threatening situations that need immediate attention to stop an infection from spreading, control bleeding, and relieve a patient from severe pain. These are problems that impact the teeth and surrounding supporting structures. If left untreated for a long time, dental emergencies can become extremely painful and lead to biological, aesthetic, or functional complications, including progressing to deep space infections affecting the surrounding structures of the neck and facial sinuses or even leading to airway compromise. 

You must also note that not all dental emergencies are life-threatening. The following are some common types of dental emergencies: 

• Traumatic dental emergencies: Traumatic injuries, including fractures, avulsions, and luxations, are typically sustained by the direct or indirect impact on the teeth or surrounding tissues. Falls, sports injuries, physical violence, and traffic accidents can cause traumatic dental emergencies. People who have had previous dental injury,  caries, or inflammatory changes of the tooth's surrounding structures are more predisposed to traumatic injuries with even a lower impact compared to those who have healthy teeth and tissues. 
• Infectious dental emergencies: Dental infections begin with cavities and are highly preventable. However, if not appropriately managed, dental conditions like pulp necrosis, periodontitis, tooth abscesses, and pericoronitis can cause bacterial spread into the neck, facial sinuses, and brain, resulting in life-threatening infections. Complications like Ludwig's angina and sepsis have been linked to untreated tooth infections. However, dental infections are localized and can be easily treated if detected in their early stages. 
• Post-operation dental emergencies: The most prevalent post-op dental emergency seen in patients is post-extraction bleeding. Bleeding for eight to twelve hours after a dental extraction procedure is typically observed in patients with systemic diseases affecting hemostasis, congenital bleeding disorders, or in those taking anticoagulation medications. 

When should you go to the hospital for a dental emergency?

Patients with dental emergencies often present in clinical settings rather than in a dentist's office. This makes it vital for non-dentist providers to understand the consequences of untreated dental emergencies and provide dental referrals at the right time. It is also crucial that a patient knows when to go to a hospital or dentist's office for an emergency. This heavily depends on the type of injury you have sustained and its severity.

Suppose you are suffering symptoms like a severe toothache, broken teeth, knocked-out tooth, or a bitten tongue or lip that is bleeding. In that case, you should contact a dental office offering emergency services during non-business hours. You must visit the nearest emergency room if you cannot locate a dentist.

Specific dental emergencies involving the jaw, mouth, or face require immediate attention. Some of these include- jaw fractures, severe laceration of the mouth jaw dislocation, a severe soft tissue injury, and an abscess or infection that is very swollen or hinders normal breathing or swallowing functions. In such cases, you must call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. 

An ER can offer symptomatic relief, such as medications (antibiotics or pain relievers) for your pain and swelling. ERs also have oral maxillofacial surgeons who are more equipped and extensively trained in handling emergencies affecting the neck, face, jaw, and head than general dentists. You should note that an ER does not do restorative treatments, such as fillings or crowns. Once you receive the required dental care at the ER, you will still have to see your dentist as soon as they're back in their office.

No matter your situation, do not hesitate to contact your nearest provider. While some dental emergencies that are not serious can be managed at home, you must consult a medical professional to prevent any further damage to your dental structures. 

Find top-rated dentists near you in Riverside, CA

Early detection of oral and dental problems can help us avoid adverse impacts on your overall health. Practicing oral hygiene and incorporating regular visits to a general dentist into your schedule are some steps you can take. Zocdoc can help you find an experienced professional in Riverside who meets your requirements.

Zocdoc has a vast database of qualified medical professionals across the United States. Start by creating a free account on the platform. You could then search for a dentist based on your symptoms. Alternatively, make use of the filter search feature to find desired professionals. Put in the location and date along with your entries. You will get access to a list of dentists in your area that match your search inputs. Besides, you can filter out your choices based on gender and whether or not they treat kids. 

You can also look for in-network dentists once you select your insurance carrier plan from the search bar. If you cannot find your healthcare plan, you can upload a photo of your insurance card. Once you upload a photo, Zocdoc will scan the image of your card and show you your likely plan. Note that you can use this option for medical insurance cards only. Dental and vision are excluded. If you need help uploading your insurance card, contact Zocdoc's service team. You can also visit Zocdoc's patient help center for answers to other insurance-related queries. 

We have comprehensive bios on each dentist; you can review them in detail before choosing a provider. Some attributes included in their profiles are areas of expertise, hospital affiliations, and educational qualifications. You can also check the verified patient ratings and reviews for more insights about each provider in Riverside.

Zocdoc also allows you to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment, depending on the provider's availability. Some dentists near you on the list may be available on weekends and during regular business hours. All bookings made on Zocdoc are simple, secure, and free!

Statistics on dentists and oral health indicators

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the oral health status of the US population, in 2020, about 64.5% of adults aged 18 and above across the United States visited a dentist or dental clinic. Corresponding figures for California for the same year were approximately 64.6%.

Professional dental care can prevent serious health consequences in adults and children. People living in counties with few dentists are more likely to be deprived of the dental care they require. Statistics from the Strategic Health Alliance Pursuing Equity (SHAPE), Riverside County, show that in 2020 there were 54 dentists per 100,000. This figure is up from 45 in 2010 and indicates a steady increase. 

Compared to other counties in California (the survey covers 58 counties in the state), the value of 54 places Riverside in the worst 25% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value higher than 76. Riverside is among the best 50% of United States Counties, based on data from 3,052 counties and county equivalents across the country. Counties in the worst 25% national-level countries have values 27 or lesser.

Sources

WebMD[1]

World Health Organization

March of Dimes

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]

California Department of Public Health

SHAPE Riverside County

Colgate

WebMD[2]

WebMD[3]

Healthline[1]

Healthline[2]

Healthdirect

Cleveland Clinic[1]

National Center for Biotechnology Information

Cleveland Clinic[2]

MouthHealthy

Verywell Health

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.