In view of the World Oral Health day on the 20th of March (Today), a little illumination about the Specialty of Dentistry/Dental surgery is in order being that many people know little or nothing about this Specialty.
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Dentistry/Dental surgery is an independent specialty of Surgery (Historically) done at an undergraduate level and involves training in General Medicine and Dentistry/Dental surgery in the University, usually for a period of 6 years or more. Culminates in the award of the degree, Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). The individual graduates as a specialized doctor (Dentist/Dental surgeon), and then eligible to pursue Postgraduate qualifications in Colleges of Surgeons or Physicians in any of the Dental Surgery Specialties. It's usually confused in this clime with paramedical courses like, Dental therapy, Dental technology, Dental surgery Technicians etc, who also assists the Doctor with certain nursing, laboratory or preventive procedures. They are also very relevant part of the dental team, but not dentists (doctors).
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The Specialty of Dentistry/Dental surgery spans beyond the teeth as many think, to involve the supporting structures of the teeth ( Periodontium; Gums, alveolar bones etc), other intraoral structures (buccal mucosa, tongue, palate, floor of the mouth etc). Other areas are, the Mandible and Maxilla (Jaws), face and some part of the neck. The treatments can range from Medical, Surgical, Aesthetic, Prosthetic, Orthodontic, Restorative, Preventive etc.
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Oral Diseases can range from mild to very severe cases as Ludwig's angina, Parapharyngeal space infections, Tumors, Jaw Fractures, congenital diseases like Cleft lip and palate, Bifid tongue, ankyloglossia (tongue tie) etc. The commonest mild presentations are Dental caries which can usually result to toothache, on pulpal involvement. Others can be gingivitis (gum inflammation), or halitosis (mouth odour) etc. Several oral Mucosal diseases exists and can be a manifestation of systemic diseases. Your dentists can help spot these and perform investigations and treatments or involve other Physicians as the case may be.
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Usually, patients are advised to visit their Dentists twice every year (6 monthly) for preventive therapy or cleaning (Scaling and Polishing) to prevent periodontal diseases and for checkups, and also brush twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste and toothbrush.
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Help your teeth to Outlast your age. Take care of your Oral and General Health. Health is Wealth.
# WorldOralHealthDay
# DentistryDentalSurgery
# OralHealth
# GeneralHealth

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