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Nolan Williamson
Mrs. Corbett
AP Literature
17 November, 2011
The Importance of Dentistry
In our society, dentistry and oral hygiene as a whole has been overlooked and is being
viewed as a luxury. Insurance policies and company sponsored health benefits are dropping
dental coverage from their plans, and those that do include dental coverage are too expensive for
middle class and impoverished Americans. Dentistry plays a large role in American culture and
has evolved extensively since it began, with its procedures now bearing cosmetic and life saving
effects.
To start, dental care has been around since 7000 BC. Holes in teeth and the tools used to
drill them have been found in ancient graveyards around the world. The exact purpose of these
ancient drillings is still unknown, however some speculation points to them being used to
“Release evil Spirits” (“The History of Dentistry”). However, dentistry as a trade skill did not
arise until the 1700s. During this time, guides on theoretical dentistry were published, and the
wealthy began to visit skilled dentists for tooth removal, replacement, or even early versions of
dentures. Unfortunately for underclass citizens who could not afford to be seen by a skilled
worker, the only alternative was to visit the village blacksmith who had the skills to produce
dental tools, but not the skills to use them. Underclass citizens experienced painful dental care, as
the tools were primitive, and the operator had little or no practice using them. Not much changed
for a hundred years until the 19th century, which is still considered to be the most significant time
in dental history. During this time the number of practicing dentists increased exponentially,

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along with the tools and methods employed in the practice. Dedicated anesthetics such as nitrous
oxide and chloroform gained popularity in the industry, making the procedures much less
tormenting. More affordable and reliable dentures were introduced to the public and were also
produced at a higher rate. Dental care became accessible to the common man during this time,
and solidified dentistry in common human health. In the 20th century, further technological
advances were made which had lasting effects in the evolution of dental equipment. Fluoride
toothpastes were introduced and quickly adopted, reducing cavities by nearly half. X-ray
equipment became common in dental work, along with the new air-pressure driven dental tools
introduced in the late 1950s. By the 1990s cosmetic dentistry, intended to only improve the color
and look of teeth, was becoming universally popular in American and European culture.
Recently however, the presence of dental coverage in the workforce has been in
recession. Often, this is due to factors such as poverty, geography, lack of education, or other
barriers preventing individuals from receiving care (“Breaking Down Barriers to Oral Health”).
Science is continually uncovering more evidence pointing to the importance of oral health in
conjunction with overall health. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent most oral diseases,
which when left untreated can have excruciatingly painful or even disfiguring consequences.
Without access to dental coverage, individuals are at risk of leaving detrimental oral diseases
untreated. There are nearly 82 million people who do not have accessible dental coverage in
America alone (“Repairing the Tattered Safety Net”). Without access to dental providers, these
individuals are at risk of experiencing tooth decay, should they develop any disease or condition
which remains untreated.
One of the many duties a dentist and oral hygienist is bestowed with is dental education.
A dentist’s work and patient education is the first and most effective line of defense against oral

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diseases. Only 60% of the American population makes annual dentist visits, leaving the other
40% at a significantly higher risk of having a potentially dangerous oral disease and leaving it
undiagnosed (“The Role of Dental Professionals”). The perceived role of the dentist being solely
to fill cavities and clean teeth is long gone and has now literally become a matter of life and
death. Oral health has wider reaching effects than previously thought. There are now scientific
links between poor oral health and disorders of other systems in the body and even connections
with birth defects and heart disease (“Oral Diseases”).
Oral cancer is an often under respected disease prevalent in our society. Although oral
cancer has a 90% cure rate, the lasting cosmetic effects resulting from the disease can be
mortifying; however these can be prevented through annual visits to a dental practitioner. The
disease most frequently presents itself due to tobacco use and poor oral hygiene, but alcohol also
increases the risk of developing oral cancer (“Oral Cancer”). Poor oral hygiene, resulting in
continual lesions or toxic materials remaining lodged in the teeth or gums can further accelerate
cancer growth. Oral cancer tends to metastasize, or spread quickly and moves through the body
developing tumors elsewhere. Often starting as an inconspicuous sore or ulcer, the cancer
quickly grows into a tumor which must be surgically removed, resulting in disfigurement of the
face, head or neck. If the cancer diagnosis is significantly delayed, 1 in 4 cases can result in
mortality (ADAM). Simple visits to the dentist can prevent the onslaught of this disease and save
an individual’s life.
Dental cavities are one of the two most common disorders in humans, second to the
common cold (Rosenberg). Tooth decay is the act of natural bacteria in an individual’s mouth
converting food, namely starches, into acid which dissolves the protective covering, enamel,
from the tooth and creates holes in the teeth referred to as “cavities”. When the acid produced by

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this bacteria combines with saliva, an adhesive and off white colored compound is formed, called
plaque. This material then adheres to the teeth and begins to dissolve the enamel until it is
removed, generally through brushing. Should this plaque remain on the teeth, tooth decay will
accelerate, leading to more delicate cavities. While small, often microscopic holes forming in an
individual’s teeth may not be a cause for alarm, usually only resulting in mild halitosis (known
as “bad breath”), however should the conditions be allowed to persist, more formidable
complications may arise. Teeth with more cavities are prone to discolor, fracture, become
sensitive, or develop tooth abscesses. A tooth abscess is a condition in which tooth decay
escalates to a point at which the center of the tooth, known as the pulp, becomes infected. Tooth
abscesses are described by patients as being a “severe toothache” (Rosenberg), and are often
associated with bitter taste, painful chewing, severe halitosis, as well as inflammation in the neck
or jaw. Tooth abscesses can be treated with a variety of methods, though some are painful. A
root canal can be done in an attempt to save the tooth; while alternatively, antibiotics can be
taken in conjunction with pain killers to reduce inflammation and rid the tooth of the infection.
Tooth decay may be the most common oral disorder, but it is by no means the only common oral
disorder.
Gum disease, along with tooth decay and oral cancer, are the three most common medical
complications in the dental profession. Gum disease is a condition which hails from a milder
condition known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is caused by bacteria becoming entrapped in the
hardened form of plaque, known as tartar. The bacteria cause inflammation in the surrounding
gum tissue, causing the gums to become swollen and more prone to bleeding. This can be
reversed and prevented through regular flossing and brushing along with routine visits to a dental
professional (“Periodontal Disease”). Conversely, when the condition is left untreated, it can

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intensify into periodontitis, the more serious form of gum disease. While more common among
adults, this disorder can loosen teeth, cause painful chewing and incite gum line recession. At
this point, the dentist or oral hygienist must administer strong antibiotics, or even perform
surgery to reduce the effects this disease can provoke, such as bone loss. Gum disease as a whole
can be easily prevented from the beginning if a patient flosses and brushes regularly in addition
to annual dental visits.
Unlike other procedures, cosmetic dental procedures carry no health gain, as they only
affect the aesthetics of an individual’s smile. Within the last thirty years these procedures have
become widely popular and vary from teeth whitening procedures to gum realignment. Teeth
whitening has become the most popular of these procedures in dentistry. There are two variations
of whitening; bleaching, and whitening. In whitening, a solution of hydrogen peroxide or
carbamide peroxide is applied to the teeth, causing a bleaching reaction which lightens the color
of the teeth back to their original intended color. In some cases however, bleaching may be
preferred. The same solutions and techniques are used in bleaching, the only difference being
that the concentration is significantly higher in bleaching procedures, which allows patients to
receive a color whiter than teeth normally are (Dyett). While this procedure is recommended in
an environment where it can be performed by a professional, there are over the counter solutions
as well. These solutions do not carry the same chemicals used by professionals and are usually
only capable of whitening part of the smile.
Dentistry is an underappreciated health field in our society today and has more of an
importance to overall health and beauty than most recognize. The practice has come a long way
since it started, yet many still have no access to its power. The dentist can play a life saving role
that remains unacknowledged as many oral diseases can only be caught by a professional.

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Cosmetic procedures are becoming the dental field’s primary source of popularity, yet these
procedures carry only an aesthetic appeal. Through these many roles, a dentist can create a smile
that can brighten the day.

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Works Cited
A.D.A.M. “Oral Cancer.” National Library of Medicine . N.p., 28 Feb. 2011. Web. 1 Nov. 2011.
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002030/>.
American Dental Association. “Breaking Down Barriers to Oral Health for All Americans.”
American Dental Association. N.p., 22 Feb. 2011. Web. 6 Nov. 2011.
<http://www.ada.org/sections/advocacy/pdfs/ada_workforce_statement.pdf>.
- - -. “Repairing the Tattered Safety Net.” American Dental Association. N.p., Aug. 2011. Web. 5
Nov. 2011. <http://www.ada.org/sections/advocacy/pdfs/breaking-down-barriers.pdf>.
Dyett, Linda. “Teeth Whitening.” Your Dentistry Guide. N.p., 12 Sept. 2011. Web. 5 Nov. 2011.
<http://www.yourdentistryguide.com/teeth-whitening/>.
“The History of Dentistry.” Namibian Dental Association. N.p., 2011. Web. 5 Nov. 2011.
<http://www.namibiadent.com/History/HistoryDentistry.html>.
“Oral Cancer.” Illinois Department of Public Health . Illinois Department of Public Health ,
2010. Web. 9 Nov. 2011. <http://www.idph.state.il.us/cancer/index.htm>.
“Oral Diseases.” Health Canada. Government of Canada, 19 Oct. 2010. Web. 5 Nov. 2011.
<http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/oral-bucco/disease-maladie/index-eng.php>.
“Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments.” National Institute of Dental
and Craniofacial Research . National Institutes of Health , July 2011. Web. 4 Nov. 2011.
<http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/
PeriodontalGumDisease.htm>.

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“The Role of Dental and Medical Professionals.” The Oral Cancer Foundation. N.p., 1 Mar.
2009. Web. 30 Oct. 2011. <http://oralcancerfoundation.org/dental/role_of_dentists.htm>.
Rosenberg, Jack D. “Dental Cavities.” National Library of Medicine. N.p., 22 Feb. 2010. Web. 5
Nov. 2011. <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001055.htm>.