If your mouth or teeth are troubling you a Portland Or dentist will be able to bring you relief. A definition put out by the WHO (World Health Organisation) is that dentistry is ' the science and art of preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries and malformations of the teeth, jaws and mouth'. With such a range of conditions to manage, dentists need to be highly trained and very skillful. Dental caries (tooth decay) and pyorrhoea (gum disease) are the most common disorders of the mouth.

Dentistry involves not only the teeth but all areas of the mouth and oral cavity. Dental ill-health has quite a profound effect on the physical condition of an individual. Those from the poorer classes are more likely to be affected by caries and gum disease. Hygienists, technicians, dental assistants and therapists are some of those who support dentists in their clinics.

Some practitioners have specialised in one area of dentistry. General dentistry is most concerned with the prevention of oral disease. This and the management of non-specialised disorders make up the bulk of the work of dental clinics. Routine check-ups are encouraged. At these appointments, the teeth are professionally cleaned and scaled. Tartar build-ups are removed and the teeth may be treated with fluoride for extra protection. Fillings may be used on small areas of decay.

If much of the tooth is decayed or if some trauma has broken off part of the tooth, a crown or implant may be inserted. Rebuilding work, crowns and bridges may also be used for aesthetic reasons. Dentists also extract teeth that are past repair. X-rays may be taken as part of providing a comprehensive service. This will tell him the extent of any decay so that a filling is not placed over a diseased section. Root canal treatment may be needed and might be carried out by an endodontist. X-rays may also be required before fitting braces or other appliances aimed at straightening or aligning the teeth.

As well as X-rays, impressions of a client's mouth will allow a prosthodontist to carry out the manufacture of dentures. These may be either partial or full. If the gums and soft tissue areas are causing problems, a periodontist will be able to help.

Orthodontists are usually consulted to deal with preventative management of anatomical structures of the mouth and jaws. Corrective measures are then taken to deal with any abnormalities. By these means, the jaws and teeth can be manipulated and re-positioned into a more correct position. As well as being more aesthetically pleasing, properly aligned teeth and jaws mean that mastication is improved which in turn impacts on digestion and overall health.

If you need specific or specialist treatment, your dentist will refer you to the person best able to help. Other specialists include oral surgeons, paediatric dentists or oral pathologists. These practitioners will have undergone some years of training over and above that required for general dentistry.

Regular checkups are vitally important. Changes in the mouth and teeth can indicate the onset of conditions such as osteoporosis and diabetes. It is believed that there is a correlation between diseases of the gum and increased risks of heart disease, premature births and diabetes. If you are experiencing tooth-ache a Portland Or dentist will be able to help.