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1. What is a dentist's job?

A dentist is a doctor who helps you with your oral health issues, including your mouth, jaw, teeth, and gums. A dentist provides services such as teeth cleaning, filling, extraction, root canal procedure, and gives advice on treatment of oral diseases including tooth decay, gum disease, and mouth cancer. There are different specialities in dentistry for specific dental concerns.     

2. Why do dentists use concave mirrors?

A flat mirror reflects light such that the image observed is the same size as the actual object. A concave mirror (with an inwardly bent reflecting surface and a polished outward surface) bends light towards you, providing an enlarged image. Thus, dentists use concave mirrors to see larger and brighter images of areas in your mouth that they cannot reach.

3. How often should you go to the dentist?    

It is generally advised that adults and children visit their dentist at least once every six months. Even if you do not have any urgent oral health concerns, it is better to get your teeth professionally examined and cleaned, if necessary, once in 6 months.

4. Do dentists use stethoscopes?

A stethoscope is an acoustic medical device for listening to the internal sounds made by your heart, lungs, intestines, and blood flow in arteries and veins. Yes, dentists use stethoscopes. They are useful in checking blood pressure, and for verifying ventilation and heartbeats during sedation in dental procedures.

5. What do dentists use to numb you?

For certain procedures, your dentist may need to apply local anaesthesia to numb an area of your mouth. The local anaesthetic is usually applied as an injection into your inner cheek or gum. Nowadays, the most commonly used dental anaesthetic is Lidocaine. The effect of the anaesthetic may last anywhere between 1-7 hours.

6. Should you visit your kid's dentist regularly?

Children, similar to adults, are advised to visit the dentist at least every 6 months. Sometimes, the pediatric dentist may schedule visits more often, such as every 3 months, to build confidence and a comfort level with the child. Speak to the dentist about your child’s oral health and enquire as to how often it should be checked.

7. How do dentists treat gum disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the gums that damages the soft tissue and can proceed to destroy the bone that supports your teeth. Depending on the stage of the disease and the damage, it is treated with professional cleaning, plaque and tartar removal from above and below the gum line, administration of antibiotics, and surgical methods.

8. Can a dentist tell if you smoke?

Yes, your dentist can easily know if you smoke. Smoking impacts your overall health, and your teeth and gums in various ways. The noticeable signs of smoking include bad breath, yellow teeth (nicotine stains), plaque buildup, and receding gums, all of which can be identified by your dentist.