Dentists: Doctors for Oral Healthcare
Written by Dr. Nikit Mahale, General PhysicianLast Updated on 7th February 2022Who is a Dentist?
Dentists are medical professionals specialized in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of oral healthcare. They diagnose and treat problems related to teeth and gums. Dentists commonly treat problems like tooth pain, gum problems, cavities, bad breath, etc.
What does a Dentist do?
A dentist diagnoses, treat and help prevent problems related to teeth and gums. Common problems treated by a dentist are:
Bad breath (mouth odor): Bad breath is also known as halitosis. This condition is caused by poor oral health, certain illnesses, or unhealthy lifestyle habits. If you don’t brush and floss properly every day, the food that gets stuck in your mouth will cause bacterial growth in your mouth; thus, causing mouth odor. If you suffer from bad breath, you might want to consider a dental cleaning.
A dental cavity may also be the cause of bad breath. In this case, you may require a cavity filling. If the cavity is more serious, you may have to consult with a root canal specialist at an online dental clinic to treat the problem before it spreads.
Log on to MFine to find the top dentists near you who will offer you the most suitable solutions for bad breath. You can also find the list of best dental clinics near you on MFine for consultation and dental procedures.
Tooth pain: Tooth decay (dental caries), infection, or injury may lead to tooth pain. And since the problem is not very visible, identifying the cause can prove to be a tricky problem. A dental cavity may also be the cause of the tooth pain you are experiencing. Scheduling a dental appointment on MFine can help put you in touch with our best dentists for an online consultation. If required, our dental specialists will request you to come in for a visit for tooth decay treatment to help address the tooth pain. The first step to analyzing the pain is to consult a dentist nearby and allow the expert to make a decision based on the severity of your symptom.
Gum problems: The build-up of plaque on the teeth can lead to inflammation or swelling of gums. If left untreated, it may result in tooth loss. In severe cases, you may be advised to perform a tooth extraction. If you exhibit any signs or symptoms, be sure to book an online dental consultation and get a proper assessment.
Beyond Gums and Teeth: A dentist’s expertise is not just limited to teeth, but also includes the following as part of advanced dental care:
- Jaw
- Tongue (Conditions like geographic tongue, or plaque build-up)
- Salivary glands
- Muscles of the head and neck
- The nervous system of the head and neck
What are common procedures performed by a Dentist?
- Tooth extraction: If a tooth is damaged or decayed, it is removed permanently. The dentist cut the gum and bone tissue covering the tooth and pull the tooth out.
- Teeth cleaning: Teeth cleaning is performed as a part of dental hygiene and is done to prevent cavities and other oral diseases.
- Fillings: Dental feeling is done with gold, porcelain, or silver amalgam to restore missing tooth structure caused by decay or trauma.
- Crowns: Dental crowns are like caps that are used to protect and restore the shape of teeth when chipped or broken.
- Root canal: Root canal is a treatment used to repair a damaged or infected tooth instead of removing it.
- Braces: Dental braces are used to correct misaligned teeth or jaws. These are generally wire-based.
- Teeth whitening: Teeth whitening is a procedure to remove stains from the surface of teeth and restore their natural color.
- Dentures: Dentures are appliances used to replace missing teeth; these can be complete as well as partial.
During a comprehensive dental check-up, the doctor looks for discoloration, ulcers, facial swellings, and lumps. Our qualified online dentists can recognize problems and refer patients to other specialists if needed. People may also opt for aesthetic dental care which includes laser teeth whitening, dental braces, or restorative dentistry at a cosmetic dental clinic. Consult our dental experts for all your needs on MFine’s online dental clinic. Simply search for the ‘best dental clinic nearby’ on the MFine App to get the list of top clinics/ hospitals in your locality! Additionally, if your child is experiencing tooth discomfort, search for the ‘best pediatric dentist near you’ for instant medical assistance.
How often should you go to the Dentist?
You should see a dental specialist at least twice a year. Some people may have to visit regularly in case their dental health needs more attention. For example, people with dental braces or certain medical conditions like diabetes will need to visit a dental clinic more often. The frequency of your visits will also depend on how much you maintain your dental health on your own. People who are less at risk of dental issues can schedule dental check-ups less frequently. To know where you stand with your oral hygiene, it’s important to schedule a dentist appointment.
What degrees do you need to be a Dentist?
In India, the qualification of a dentist includes a 5-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree. An individual can pursue BDS after completion of the 12th examination. After completing BDS, a dentist can also pursue a 3-year post-graduation program in dental surgery. Masters in Dental Surgery or MDS is the highest degree a dentist can hold in India.
How to find a good Dentist?
You can find a good dentist through a simple search on MFine. Select your location and search for the best dentist near you on the MFine app or website. You can avail of an instant consultation via chat, call, or video call with the top dentist in your city. Based on your problem, you might be called for an in-person consultation by your dentist.
How to choose a Dentist?
You can choose a dentist for yourself based on the doctor’s years of experience. The convenience of travel might also be a criterion in case you need to visit your dentist in person for any procedure. In that case, choose the best dentist nearby on MFine and stay rest assured as we bring to you the top dentists from your city.
Few Stats around Dentistry and Oral Health in India
- Oral diseases and conditions such as dental caries, periodontal diseases, malocclusion, oro-facial anomalies, dental fluorosis, loss of teeth, temporo-mandibular joint disorders, orofacial trauma, and oral cancers have the dubious distinction of affecting more than half of the population globally i.e., nearly,3.5 billion people.
- Oral diseases and anomalies can manifest themselves as early as at the time of birth. Severe periodontal diseases are estimated to affect nearly 10% of the global population.
- The prevalence of untreated dental caries in children below six years was found to be 49.6 % in India.
Frequently Asked Questions on Dentist
How to make a dentist appointment?
- Select your city on MFine
- Choose dentist as a specialty
- Choose your doctor
- Talk to a doctor online
Based on your consultation and the condition you are suffering from, you might be asked for an in-person dentist appointment.
How long does a dentist appointment take?
How much does a dentist consultation cost?
What to do before a dentist appointment?
What happens at the first dentist appointment?
How to get over the fear of a dentist visit?
Should I go to the dentist during Covid?
With the ongoing pandemic, we understand that it might be difficult for you to travel outside for doctor appointments. Based on your concern opt for an online dental consultation before a visit. In case you are required to go for an in-person visit, be sure to sanitize your hands regularly, wear a mask, and maintain general social distancing guidelines to avoid contracting COVID-19. If you experience COVID-19 symptoms, you should consider performing a COVID-19 RTPCR test to understand the state of your health accurately.
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Why do dentists take x rays?
Can dentists remove tartar?
What are some signs to see a dentist?
Some signs you should consult with a dental specialist or pay your family dental clinic a visit are:
- If your teeth are sensitive
- Your gums are bleeding when you brush
- If you notice a white or yellow covering on teeth
- If you persistently have bad breath
- If you have gum pain or experience facial swelling
- If you have a toothache
- If you have any fillings or crowns
- You experience difficulty chewing
- You smoke or chew tobacco
- You have medical conditions like diabetes
- You have a mouth sore or ulcer
If any of the above-mentioned signs or conditions apply to you, read our in-depth medical guides on various health conditions. Additionally, if you are searching for ‘good dentists nearby’, book an instant appointment on our website or the MFine App now!
What are 5 Tips to Maintain Dental Hygiene?
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Floss before going to bed
- Change toothbrushes every three to four months
- Rinse your mouth after meals and strong beverages
- Refrain from smoking cigarettes