Who is Responsible for Your Oral Health?

When it comes to your oral health, the most important person is you. By brushing your teeth after every meal, flossing daily, and keeping regular appointments with your dentist, you can avoid any problems with your mouth before they become a major issue. Oral health is an essential part of overall good health and well-being, and it's important to understand who is responsible for your oral health. A general dentist is your primary care dental provider. This dentist diagnoses, treats, and manages your general oral health care needs, including gum care, root canal treatments, fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, and preventive education.

For most oral health problems, a dentist is the answer. And even if your dentist can't treat the problem, such as oral cancer, they can guide you to the specialist you need to see. An otolaryngologist or ear, nose, and throat specialist may also work in and around the mouth and perform facial reconstructive surgery that may include work in the oral cavity. The Department of Dental Medicine offers world-class oral health services for everyone from infants to seniors as well as people with special needs. The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis supports Health Personnel Research Centers at several universities through cooperative agreements including the Center for Oral Health Workforce Research at the State University of New York at Albany. The American Dental Association (ADA) is a great source for the latest oral health research along with useful practical guidelines data on industry trends and a number of practical programs that support your personal health and success.

Many facial injuries such as lacerations to the cheeks or tongue will be treated by doctors although any damage to the teeth will result in a visit to the dentist. At the end of the day, it's important to remember that you are responsible for your own oral health. By taking preventive measures such as brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your dentist regularly you can ensure that your mouth stays healthy and free from disease. Find low-cost dental treatments near you on the NYC Health Map.