Dentistry is the health profession concerned with the care and treatment of your teeth and
mouth. Just as a medical doctor had the initials M.D. after his name, dentists have D.D.S.
(meaning doctor of dental surgery) or D.M.D.(meaning doctor of dental medicine).
The origin of dentistry reaches all the way back to ancient times. The Egyptians and others
had developed effective tooth ache remedies. Dentistry remained virtually unchanged until
the 19th century. It was during this time frame that significant advances were made in both
the scientific aspects as well as plenty of technical advancements including the use of
anesthesia. The 20th century brought even more change including the discovery of the benfits
of flouride and high speed tooth drilling.
Over the years the dental field has expanded tremendously. The work of a dentist now varies
greatly. Besides the traditional jobs associated with a general dentist, there are several
dentist specialties within this profession: pedodontics which involves caring for children's
teeth, orthodontics for straighening crooked teeth, periodontics which specializes in
diseases of the gums, and prosthodontics for fitting dentures when necessary. Oral surgery
is also a dental specialty dealing with more involved surgery within the mouth.
Visiting the dentist on a regular basis (for most of us) has become as normal as breathing air. Regular cleanings and check-ups ease the frequency of dental problems. It also teaches us the importance of proper dental hygiene, which in turn gives us all a better smile. Haven't been to a dentist in a while? What are you waiting for? Don't be scared!
Dental savings plans available for individuals and families. Great monthly rates and instantaneous coverage at USA Dental Insurance Plans. You can also visit Walegamart for similar discount dental plans. With these discount dental plans the consumer pays full price at the participating dentist, then receives a discount on their dental care. These plans are a great alternative to dental insurance in which premiums sometimes cannot be justified.
