What is Dentist?

A dentist is a type of doctor who is specially trained in dealing with care, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, malformations, and injuries to the teeth, mouth, and jaws. The typical dentist has chosen not to specialize in any given practice, and offers services in many different areas. Common procedures that a dentist will perform include cleanings twice a year, root canals, gum disease treatment, and cavity filling. Dentists are accredited medical professionals and will have attended several years of post secondary education and practical training.

It is important for everyone to visit the dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning. At this appointment, the dentist will inspect your teeth and gums for infections, imperfections with jaw alignment, healthy tooth growth, and possible cavity formation. A dental hygienist will likely be the one to actually clean your teeth. Dental hygienists are experts in keeping gums and teeth healthy. To clean your teeth the hygienist or dentist will use tools such as a scraper (to scrape off plaque), mirror (too see the mouth clearly) and special toothbrush. Your teeth will also be brushed and polished with special gritty toothpaste, and flossed. An x-ray of your mouth may be taken as well, but will only take a few seconds. At the appointment you will also be taught how to maintain healthy oral care at your home. If at any point in the appointment, your dentist notices problems with jaw or tooth alignment, they may refer you to an orthodontist who specializes in fixing such problems with braces or other dental gear. There is no need to see the dentist more than twice a year unless advised by your dentist. Children should start visiting the dentist as soon as they begin to form teeth. This will typically happen around the age of one year.

Most mouth and throat diseases are caused by poor dental health care. Many people do not take care of their teeth adequately, resulting in tooth decay and cavities. To prevent such things from happening, people should floss at least once a day, brush their teeth and tongue after eating, use toothpaste that includes fluoride, avoid foods with lots of sugar (which grows plaque), visit a dentist twice a year, and eat a balanced diet. Crooked, overlapping, and twisted teeth can be caused by a person’s mouth being too small and crowded, and prevention may be out of their control. However, other causes (particularly in children) could be caused by thumb sucking, or prolonged pacifier use. Causes like these can be controlled by parents and should be closely monitored.

Selecting a dentist for your family can be difficult, as there are likely hundreds in your area. We suggest searching online to start. Searching online is a good way to find a list of dentists in your area since you can search by location as well as practice. Another good method is personal recommendation. Asking family, friends, and current patients of the dentist is a great way to get an honest answer. The most important thing to keep in mind when selecting a dentist is to ensure that they have a personal interest in you and your family. Dentists who use flashy advertisements are likely more focused on mass production, and not their patients’ personal needs. You will also want to enquire about fees and payment plans.

Many people are reluctant to visit a dentist due to fear of being scolded and embarrassed, or due to fear of pain. Most people do not experience any pain when going in for a basic cleaning. There may be slight tenderness after the check-up, but this feeling will quickly diminish. With proper dental maintenance, pain is rare. Also, most dentists are concerned with the personal well being of their patients, so they will not scold or make you feel uncomfortable. The fact that you are making an effort to visit the doctor is a good first step.

For more information on dentistry, contact a dentist in your area.