Dental care is an important part of oral health, especially for adults and older children. There are many reasons why dental care is important, but one of the main reasons is because a person’s dental health can affect their overall health.
Bacteria in the mouth can eat away at the enamel on the teeth. As a result, cavities form, which can cause infection. They can also lead to gum disease, which can be a risk factor for diabetes. These infections can cause an inflammatory response throughout the body, including the heart. People who smoke are also at a greater risk for developing problems with their teeth.
One of the best ways to prevent cavities is to brush and floss regularly. You can also choose to go to the dentist for a professional cleaning. A dentist will check your teeth for cavities and gum problems, as well as for any oral cancers. If there is any damage to the teeth, the dentist will fill the hole with a filling. The filling will be made of composite or amalgam.
Another way to keep your teeth healthy is to use dental appliances. These appliances can be simple things, such as a mouthguard, or they can be permanent, like dentures or bridges. For more serious issues, you can even have implants fitted.
Dental therapists can perform routine procedures on your behalf and lower the cost of per unit costs. Their skills also allow them to treat more patients. However, they earn a much lower salary than dentists.
Dentists have several specializations, but there are three main areas of expertise. First, there is odontology, which is the study of the structure and development of teeth. Next, there is endodontics, which is the study of the diseases of the pulp of the teeth.
Dentists can help you determine whether you need a tooth crown. If you need a crown, you will need to make two visits to the dentist. This procedure will involve taking molds of your teeth, fitting them with a crown, and securing it. Your teeth may feel a bit uncomfortable during the procedure, so you might want to wear a numbing agent.
You can also get dentures or braces to straighten your teeth. During your first visit, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth. Once the mold has been made, a lab will make your tooth crown.
Dentists may also help you manage pain, or prescribe medications. They can also do radiographs or examinations. Many dentists also offer sedation, which is a form of general anesthesia.
In order to be a dentist, you’ll need to get a degree from a school that offers a program that is accredited by the American Dental Association. After you’ve completed that degree, you can decide to get a certification from the National Board Dental Examination. Alternatively, you can choose to do a postgraduate residency.
Dentists work in a variety of settings, but most of them work in private practice.
