Good oral health is essential to good overall health

CHICAGO, Aug. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Whether you are searching for a dentist in your neighborhood, a specialist, or you need dental care while traveling out of state,  the American Dental Association's (ADA) online Find a Dentist feature will provide you with a list  of member dentists based on a zip code search.

"Good oral health is essential to good overall health, and that is why it is very important to see a dentist regularly," says ADA consumer advisor, Dr. Sally Cram, a Washington, DC based periodontist who treats gum disease. "If you are looking for a general dentist or an accredited dental specialist, the ADA's Find a Dentist includes features such as office hours, insurance accepted, languages spoken and photos of the dentists. Finding one is as close to you as your keyboard or mobile device."

Dentists are your doctors specializing in oral health

In addition to diagnosing and treating teeth and gums, dentists also specialize in the muscles and nerves of the head, neck and jaws; the tongue; and the salivary glands. During a comprehensive examination, dentists look for abnormalities inside and outside the mouth, such as lumps, swellings, discolorations and ulcerations. When appropriate, dentists perform biopsies and diagnostic tests for infectious diseases and salivary gland function.  They also screen for oral cancer and can recognize early warning signs in the mouth that may indicate disease elsewhere in the body.

"It is estimated that 164 million work hours are lost each year because of dental disease," Dr. Cram says. "Much of this can be avoided if people receive routine preventive care from their dentist, brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss once per day and eat a balanced diet."

The ADA's website at www.ada.org provides important information on dental health.  According to a recent ADA survey, consumers' dental health concerns include cavities, bad breath, swollen gums that bleed and sensitive teeth.   Other oral health topics on ADA.org range from baby's first tooth to oral health needs of older Americans.   An extensive video collection of oral health subjects also is available on ADA.org.

About the American Dental Association

The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 157,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit www.ada.org

SOURCE American Dental Association

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http://www.ada.org