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Who is a dentist?

Dentists are experts in oral healthcare. They can diagnose and treat illnesses and conditions affecting the mouth, tongue, teeth, and gums. They also treat the muscles of the head, neck, jaw, salivary glands, and nervous system of the neck and head. They can interpret dental X-rays, extract and bond teeth, fill cavities, and repair cracked teeth.

Further, dentists can whiten teeth, install veneers or crowns, perform oral surgery, promote oral hygiene, and treat gum disease. They can also prescribe medications and refer patients to other specialists, such as orthodontists. Dentists can monitor the development of children's teeth and help correct any issues early.

What kind of education and training do dentists receive?

Aspiring students complete their graduation and join a dental school to become dentists. Here, they study and train for four years. Dentists receive education and training on par with medical schools, with the first two years having similar coursework. Students learn pathology, immunology, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, and anatomy.

The following two years involve clinical education and training, where students are taught to diagnose and treat oral diseases or conditions. They work with experienced dentists in clinical settings such as hospitals or clinics. Once they gain this practical experience and complete dental school, they earn a dentist's degree.

To begin practice, they must clear a state licensure examination. Further, they must continue to meet educational requirements throughout their career to maintain their license. It also helps them remain up-to-date on the latest developments and treatments in the dental field.

What are the specialties that dentists can take up?

After graduating from medical school, some dentists continue their education and achieve certification in one of the nine dental specialties. Some of them include the following:

• Prosthodontics involves using artificial devices such as dentures to replace missing or broken teeth or restore natural teeth.
• Dental public health specialty involves spreading education in an organized community to prevent dental disease.
• Oral and maxillofacial pathology deals with diseases of the areas surrounding the mouth, teeth, and jaw.
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery deals with the surgical treatment of injuries, issues, and diseases of the mouth, teeth, and surrounding areas.
• Oral and maxillofacial radiology involves diagnosing and treating all oral disorders and diseases using X-rays and other imaging aids.
• Periodontics involves the treatment of diseases in the bone, which supports the teeth and the gum tissue.
• Pediatric dentistry deals with the oral healthcare of children, from infants to teens.
• Endodontics deals with the diseases and conditions of the soft tissue of the teeth. This field focuses on root canals and similar treatments.
• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics involve correcting facial and dental irregularities.

How are dentists and orthodontists different?

Orthodontists have training and specialization in tooth and jaw alignment. They examine the jawline and bite pattern in children and treat misaligned teeth with the help of retainers, palatal expanders, Herbst appliances, orthodontic headgear, or braces. They also perform surgery to straighten teeth.

Conversely, dentists have training in treating various oral health problems that impact the mouth, teeth, tongue, and gums. They are experts in providing regular dental care and maintenance to people of all ages.

What are some common oral conditions?

If you are experiencing any of the following oral issues, you should visit a dentist near you before the problem worsens:

1. Bad breath (halitosis): Typically, a dental problem, such as gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, dry mouth, etc., can cause this embarrassing condition. A mouthwash conceals the bad breath resulting from these issues but cannot treat the problem. You should see a dentist to determine the cause behind chronic bad breath.

2. Tooth decay: It occurs when plaque mixes with the sugar and/or starch in your food. The combination results in acids that destroy tooth enamel. Cavities are not just prevalent in children and can develop at any age. They may be a result of aging or regular enamel degradation. 

3. Gum disease: Also called periodontal disease, it's an infection of the gums surrounding your teeth. It is also one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. While everyone is susceptible to gum disease, it mostly happens after age 30. Symptoms include:

• Bad breath
• Red, swollen, painful, or bleeding gums
• Sensitive teeth
• Pain during chewing

4. Infection in the root: A persistent, throbbing toothache indicates this type of infection. It occurs when decay or damage to the tooth is not dealt with properly. Bacteria infiltrate and destroy the root of a tooth that lies beneath the crown. It serves as an anchor for the tooth and extends to the jaw bone. If you get a root infection, you should seek root canal therapy. During this medical treatment, the dentist removes microorganisms from the canal and seals the tooth with a crown or filling.

5. Tooth sensitivity: It is a common oral condition that causes pain or discomfort due to:

• Sweets
• Cold air
• Hot beverages
• Cold beverages
• Ice cream
• Brushing and flossing can be uncomfortable when you have sensitive teeth. However, it is treatable with the right solutions from a dentist.

6. Oral cancer: A dangerous and fatal disease, it is usually treatable if detected and treated early on.

Some risk factors for oral cancer include:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Alcohol use
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Poor nutrition
• Genetic syndromes

Symptoms of oral or throat cancer include:

• Sores
• Lumps
• Rough patches in the mouth
• Change in your bite
• Difficulty eating or moving the tongue or jaw

When should one visit a dentist near you?

Addressing pain or discomfort is a pivotal reason to seek dental attention. Should you experience discomfort in your teeth, mouth, gums, or jaws, prompt consultation with a dentist near you is imperative. Pain, accompanied by neck, mouth, or facial swelling, could indicate underlying issues demanding immediate assessment. Additionally, bleeding gums or difficulties in chewing and swallowing warrant prompt dental care to identify and address root causes.

Routine dental checkups, recommended every six months, are a cornerstone of oral health. These appointments serve various crucial purposes, ensuring dental well-being and preventing complications. Of course, determining the frequency of dental visits hinges on individual needs. While most individuals maintain optimal oral health through biannual dental exams and cleanings, those prone to cavities or gum diseases might benefit from more frequent appointments. Customizing your cleaning schedule in consultation with your dentist is recommended.

Maintenance of prior dental work and holistic health integration are equally essential. Following any dental procedures, ensuring their continued management is vital. If you are pregnant, using tobacco, or contending with ongoing medical conditions, your dentist can collaborate with your medical doctor to harmonize your healthcare strategies effectively.

Preventive care is paramount. Your dentist adeptly examines your oral cavity for early indicators of mouth cancer, gum issues, or dental decay. This vigilant oversight minimizes the risk of escalating problems in the future. Concurrently, your dental hygienist expertly cleans your teeth, eradicating the plaque and tartar buildup contributing to tooth decay and gum diseases. Furthermore, the collaborative effort of your dentist and hygienist equips you with valuable insights for effective at-home dental care.

What should you expect during the first dental visit?

During your first visit to a dentist, they will want to know more about your symptoms and check your oral health. They will check for cavities and examine the teeth and gums for lumps, discolorations, swellings, ulcerations, or any abnormalities in the mouth. In case there are any issues, they will suggest the appropriate treatment. They will tell you in detail what the procedures will involve and how long the treatment will take.

Dentists can perform oral cancer screenings and run diagnostic tests to check for infectious diseases of salivary gland function. This allows them to recognize early symptoms of underlying illnesses manifesting in the mouth and accordingly recommend specialists.

While dentists can manage most general dental issues, they recommend an orthodontist if you have jaw misalignment, palate enlargement, or tooth crowding.

Dental care tips

Maintaining good oral hygiene isn’t just about talking the talk—it’s about taking action. Here are some practical dental care tips straight from the experts:

The American Dental Association (ADA) advises brushing your teeth for two minutes twice daily—once in the morning and again at night—using a soft-bristled toothbrush.

For all ages, including infants, dentists recommend using fluoride toothpaste, which has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Fluoride helps protect against cavities as well as tooth decay. For children under three, use a rice-sized amount of toothpaste; for children over three, a pea-sized amount is enough.

To avoid enamel damage and discomfort, steer clear of acidic drinks like soft drinks, coffee, cordials, and fruit juices. If you do indulge, use a straw and rinse your mouth with water afterwards.

Flossing is key to preventing gum disease as well as cavities, as it removes plaque and food particles that can cause bad breath.

While desserts are enjoyable, moderation is essential to protect your teeth. Sweets release acids that erode enamel and cause tooth decay. If you choose to have dessert, eating it alongside a full meal—like lunch or dinner—is ideal.

For extra cleaning, you can use a tongue scraper. It works well for removing debris from the tongue, though your toothbrush can also clean your tongue and mouth effectively. Start at the back of your tongue and gently scrape forward.

What are fluoride treatments, and how do dentists treat a cavity?

Fluoride treatments using natural mineral fluoride bolster tooth strength and cavity prevention. During a brief dental visit, fluoride gel or foam, often flavored like bubblegum or grape, is applied to teeth. Following the treatment, you must refrain from eating or drinking for 30 minutes. If a cavity is detected, a subsequent visit involves a small anesthetic shot to numb the area around the tooth. The dentist removes decay using specialized tools and fills the space with materials like tooth-colored or silver fillings. While temporary numbness may occur, it dissipates, leaving you with an enhanced and healthy smile.

How do you find a good dentist near you in Tustin, California?

Locating an expert and licensed dentist in and around Tustin, California, can be challenging. To your rescue is Zocdoc, where you can quickly find the best dentist. Once you create an account, The search bar can help generate a customized list of Zocdoc dentists based on ailment, specialty, location, date, and insurance plan. If you cannot find your insurance plan listed on Zocdoc, you have the option to upload a photo of your medical insurance card (please note that this feature is only available for medical insurance cards, not vision or dental). We will scan the image of your card and display your likely plan. If you encounter any issues while trying to upload an image of your card, please feel free to contact our service team for assistance. If you have more questions related to insurance, visit Zocdoc’s insurance page.

Furthermore, you can refine the results based on the dentist's gender, language, hospital affiliations, and whether or not they treat children. Each dentist has a detailed profile on Zocdoc that includes a concise biography, educational background, office location, visitation details, and, most importantly, patient reviews and ratings. 

Before an in-person appointment, you can schedule video appointments on Zocdoc. Check the provider profiles for a purple video icon or use a filter to find providers offering video appointments. You can usually schedule a same-day appointment or visit the Zocdoc dentist near you within 24 hours. 

Booking appointments on Zocdoc is safe, easy, and free.

Statistics on dentists in California

According to Statista 2024 data, there were about 30,280 practice dentists in California in 2023. It was the top state with the highest number of dentists. California ranked fourth in the number of dentists per 100,000 population, with approximately 77.71 dentists per 100,000 in 2023.

According to 2024 America's Health Rankings, approximately 66.2% of adults in California reported visiting a dentist or dental clinic in 2022. This was almost the same as the national average of around 66.0%. Women (about 65.8%) were more likely to visit a dentist than men (nearly 63.4%). Compared to those aged 18 to 44 (63.36%) and 45 to 64 (61.4%), adults 65 and older were more likely (around 74.2%) to have visited a dentist.

According to America's Health Rankings, there were nearly 81.9 general dentists and advanced practice dental care providers per 100,000 Californian adults in September 2023. It was higher than the national average of around 64.6 per 100,000.

Sources

WebMD

Maine Dental Association

Healthline

Statista[1]

Statista[2]

America's Health Rankings[1]

America's Health Rankings[2]

Cleveland Clinic

KidsHealth

Verywell Health

West Richland 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.