What part of your body helps you to digest your favorite foods, say "cheese," and look great in

pictures?

A: Your teeth!

It's true. Your teeth are an important part of your smile, and they also help you chew foods like
crunchy apples or yummy pizza.

Brushing and flossing are important, but you also need to visit your dentist regularly to keep your
teeth strong and healthy. Let's learn more about what happens at the dentist's office.

DENTISTRY
**Dentistry is the medical specialty that is dedicated to the study of teeth and gums and their
diseases, treatment and prevention of these diseases. This discipline is responsible for
everything related to the stomatognathic apparatus, that includes the teeth, the gums, the
periodontal tissue, the upper jaw, the lower jaw and the temporomandibular joint. Which is
formed by the set of organs and tissues that are found in the oral cavity and in the part of the
skull, face and neck.**

DENTIST
**A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a surgeon who specializes in dentistry, the
diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity. The
dentist's supporting team aids in providing oral health services. The dental team includes
dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental technicians, and in some states, dental therapists.

Dentistry is related to several medical specialties such as maxillofacial surgery, otorhinolaryngology,

ophthalmology, neurology and pediatrics.

-Not all diseases of the mouth are treated by the dentist; malignant lesions (cancer) enter the field of
oncology.

-The lesions of the tonsils are not treated by the dentist, but are treated by the otolaryngologist.

- The paralysis of the muscles that move the oral structures are treated by the neurologist.

-the lip diseases are treated and evaluated generally by the dermatologist.**
**There are two main dental groups: the anterior group, formed by the incisors and canines, and the
posterior group, composed of premolars and molars. Beyond the aesthetic aspect, each tooth has a
function. For example, the incisors allow to cut the food, the canines help to tear and the premolars
help with the crushing, and the molars to grind the food .**

**Cavity, malocclusion and periodontal disease are the main diseases that dentistry deals with.**

**-Caries is one of the most common diseases of the teeth. It appears due to the action of acids
produced by bacteria and destroys enamel and dentin. The consumption of carbonated drinks affects
the formation of caries.

-The misalignment of the teeth can occur as they appear or from childhood habits, such as thumb
sucking. The most common cause is when the jaw is too small compared to the size of the teeth.

In addition to misaligned teeth, symptoms may include discomfort or difficulty in chewing.

Treatment includes the use of orthodontics to correct irregular teeth

-Other common diseases are gingivitis (inflammation and bleeding of the gums due to a bacterial
infection) and periodontitis (when the tissue that binds the teeth to the bone is destroyed).**

* Dentists recommend that oral hygiene include the use of a toothbrush, mouthwash, and dental
floss.*