Dentist and dentistry
Your teeth are a vital part of your health and self-confidence, and a dentist is the one who helps to keep your teeth healthy. Dentists are trained professionals who help you care for your dental health and maintain oral hygiene. Dentists diagnose and treat problems related to teeth, tongue, lips, jaws, and gingival tissue. They may rely on tools like X-ray machines, drills, brushes, lasers, and scalpels.
Dentists are trained professionals who usually earn an undergraduate degree before dental school. To become a dentist, one should obtain a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) degree. After receiving the degree, a dentist must pass the written and practical exams to get a dental license. If the person specializes in a particular field, they may have to complete a postgraduate residency. Many dentists also get certified by taking the National Board Dental Examination.
Some areas of specialization that a dentist can choose to go for are:
- Endodontics
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Pediatric dentistry
- Dental public health
- Oral and maxillofacial pathology
- Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
As per the American Dental Association, visiting a dentist every six months would help prevent oral diseases and maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Most dental visits involve one of the following:
- Preventive care: This includes seeing a dentist for a general checkup. The dental professional examines the oral cavity for any sign of cavities, decay, gum problems, or other diseases (such as mouth cancer). They may also clean your teeth and remove plaque, which may otherwise lead to tooth decay or gum disease. During the consultation, your dentist may educate you on hygiene and offer tips to keep your teeth healthy.
- Pain or discomfort: Any pain in the mouth, teeth, jaws, or gums is an indication to see a dentist. Bleeding gums or problems in chewing or swallowing are another significant reason for dental care visits.
- Maintenance and health: If you have recently undergone a dental procedure or surgery, seeing a dentist and monitoring your progress is vital. This is especially true for orthodontic procedures that may take a long time.
Tips to maintain your oral health
Maintaining a vibrant and healthy smile is a lifelong journey that involves simple yet crucial steps. Your oral health is more than just having nice teeth; it's about adopting daily practices that prevent problems and promote overall well-being. Let's explore the tips that play a vital role in ensuring a lifetime of good oral health.
Nighttime brushing:
Brush your teeth before bedtime to eliminate accumulated germs and plaque, preventing potential dental problems. Utilize gentle, circular motions during brushing to effectively remove plaque and avoid issues like calculus buildup and early gum disease.
Tongue care:
Don't neglect your tongue; gently brush it each time you brush your teeth to prevent plaque accumulation, bad breath, and other oral health problems.
Fluoride toothpaste:
Prioritize fluoride content in toothpaste over features like whitening power and flavors. Despite occasional health concerns, fluoride is crucial for defending against tooth decay by fighting germs and forming a protective barrier for teeth.
Proper flossing:
Include flossing in your daily routine to stimulate gums, reduce plaque, and lower inflammation. Overcome flossing difficulties, especially for children or individuals with arthritis, with tools like ready-to-use dental flossers.
Mouthwash benefits:
Understand the threefold benefits of mouthwash: reducing mouth acidity, cleaning challenging areas around gums, and re-mineralizing the teeth. Consider mouthwash as a supplementary tool, particularly beneficial for those with challenges in brushing and flossing.
Hydration with water:
Prioritize water as the best beverage for overall and oral health. Drink water after meals to mitigate the adverse effects of sticky and acidic foods between brushing.
Crunchy fruits and vegetables:
Include fresh, crunchy produce for healthier teeth and overall well-being. Encourage chewing on harder-to-eat and chew foods, especially for children, to promote jaw strength.
Limit sugary and acidic foods:
Be mindful of sugar and acidic food consumption, which can result in enamel erosion and cavities. While avoidance isn't necessary, moderation is vital to maintaining oral health.
Regular dental checkups:
Schedule dental checkups at least once every six months for professional cleanings, cavity detection, and early issue identification. Even with diligent daily habits, professional care is essential for long-term oral health.
How to choose the right dentist near you in San Diego
A large number of people are afraid of visiting a dentist as they have a fear of dental tools and equipment. Finding the right dentist who makes you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the dental procedure is essential to overcome this fear. Since 2009, Zocdoc has continuously focused on improving the patients' healthcare experience; dental health is a significant part of this. Zocdoc.com lists top-ranking, experienced dentists near you. You can browse through numerous providers in a fraction of a few clicks.
You can review verified customer reviews and find the best professional suitable for your concern. Zocdoc also provides you with convenient bookings and appointments in no time. Apart from the experience and training, you can also look for the insurance plan that each dentist would accept. To simplify things for you, our directory provides each provider's experience, training, specialty, and achievement. Thus, with Zocdoc, you can comfortably make an appointment with the provider at your nearby location and at your convenience.
We point out that financial and administrative constraints should only provide you with the best treatment you deserve. So, choosing the right dentist near you that matches your budget becomes like a cakewalk with Zocdoc.
Dental statistics in San Diego
Maintaining good oral health is pivotal for overall health and well-being. The Share the Care/ Dental Health Initiative (STC/DHI) and First 5's Oral Health Initiative (OHI) closely monitor oral health in San Diego. STC/DHI is a public-private partnership between the County of San Diego HHSA, the San Diego County Dental Society (SDCDS), and the San Diego County Oral Health Coalition (SDCOHC). The first five oral health programs in San Diego include:
- Dental examinations, screenings, and treatment for children between 0 to 5 years and pregnant women.
- They also provide care coordination for patients at high risk.
- Oral health education is given to pregnant women, parents, childcare providers, caregivers, and dental or medical providers.
Community water fluoridation is a practical initiative for children and adults in San Diego. The fluoride level in water is closely monitored to prevent cavities due to the lack of fluoride in water.
The Health Resources and Services Administration looks after dental health professionals and ensures sufficient coverage in all areas. For approximately every 100,000 people, 83 dentists look after the oral care of the people in San Diego.
Based on the data by the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), about 88% of children between the ages of 2 and 11 years have been estimated to have visited the dentist in the last year compared to 90% of children aged 2-11 years for the state.
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