Compared to other healthcare services, dentistry is unique in several ways. For instance, the majority of dentists operate private practices and are more likely to be independent providers with market characteristics more akin to pure or monopolistic competition than physicians. Similarly, the majority of dentists provide care directly to individuals rather than to populations (known as population or public dentistry). This makes it difficult to identify the impact of policy interventions on the delivery of public dental health services. This is a significant weakness that should be addressed.
Dental diseases are different from those found in other parts of the body, and they should be treated as such. They can also be a warning sign for other health problems.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene prevents tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath and other dental problems. It also improves the overall health and appearance of your smile. It is an investment in your lifelong well-being.
Oral hygiene includes brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner (like a wooden pick, plastic floss threader or a sonic flosser) and using an antibacterial mouthwash to remove plaque bacteria that cause tooth and gum disease. It also involves eating a balanced diet, limiting sugary foods and beverages and visiting the dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups, usually every 6 months.
If you have poor brushing or flossing habits, or if you have difficulty with these tasks due to age or illness, we can help you improve them. Many dental schools have clinics where they offer low-cost care supervised by qualified dentists and hygienists. They can also provide instruction on how to properly use a toothbrush, gum scraper or other instrument.
Prevention
Visiting your dentist every six months will help prevent serious oral health problems such as gum disease, cavities and more. Dentists use specialized tools to remove built-up plaque, tartar and debris from the teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. They also examine the teeth and jawbone for signs of disease and damage. By catching any issues early on, dental professionals can save patients time, money and pain down the road.
Pain Free Smiles
Many people avoid visiting the dentist for fear of discomfort, especially during procedures that involve the injection of anesthesia. Fortunately, dental techniques are constantly evolving to reduce discomfort and increase comfort. The latest innovations include topical numbing cream that prevents pain from needles; soft tissue lasers that remove gum disease, perform frenectomies and cosmetic dentistry, and minimize bleeding, swelling and recovery times; dental vibration devices that distract nerve pathways during injections; and sedation dentistry — nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedatives to help patients relax during treatment.
Another emerging area of dentistry involves public health. Dentists who specialize in this field focus on preventing oral diseases on a population-wide basis rather than treating them after they develop. These experts often collaborate with medical doctors who treat systemic conditions such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular problems that can affect the mouth and jaw.
Psychology
Psychology plays a big role in dentistry. Patients are often very open with their dentists, and it is important to understand what they are going through at different stages in their life. It is also very important to understand phobias and how to manage them.
A patient’s fear of a dental visit can be triggered by several factors. These include a negative experience as a child, exposure to popular media depictions of dental procedures or an inherited gene that may lead to heightened pain sensitivity.
Some psychologists work directly alongside dentists, helping people overcome their fears and phobias via cognitive-behavioral therapy. Others are researching the causes and cures of oral health problems like temporomandibular joint disorder, or how to improve the training of future dentists. For example, Dolores Cannella, a psychology professor and behavioral science instructor at the University of Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine, helps students develop clinical empathy during their first year by incorporating a psychological approach.