forensic science technician vs. dentistry?
I am really interested in dentistry and in the forensics field. I am getting ready to take the Dental exam this June and I am close to getting a B.S. in biology. I really want a career in dentistry since I want to help others and I believe that oral health is a major concern. Also I believe that the job will allow me to be financially stable in the long run. But, I also love forensics. Just everything about it is really intriguing to me. I also love working in labs and criminal studies. This field also helps people and society, and that is what I really aim for in my life. Can anyone give me advice? Is there anyone in the forensics or dental field that can give me some input?
Any thoughts on what a dentist might suggest for my mom?
My mom has been drinking coca cola on and off since I can remember (I'm now 27). Over the time, she hasn't taken care of her teeth and has a lot of bad teeth with black cavities/rot on them. She said today that for a while, her front bottom teeth have been kind of loose. Today she was eating a sandwich and one fell out. She's finally going to go to a dentist, but I'm not sure what they can really do for her. I know they can help improve some tooth decay conditions under the gum and such. She said the tooth that came out had a lot of plaque behind it.
She's scared at the same time that the dentist is going to want to pull all of her teeth and want her to get false teeth. I've tried and tried and told her and told her over and over and over again...take enough calcium each day, drink more water and leave the cokes alone. Her and my grandmother area addicted to them. My grandmother drinks so many that she literally doesn't drink any water at all some days. However, my grandmother has partial fase teeth anyway...so her cop-out answer (like everything in life that she said the same thing for) was "oh well, it will fix itself."
I know there are some periodontal diseases that can cause tooth loosening and such. I myself am worried about two of my own very front bottom teeth, which have indications of tooth decay. I do not drink many sodas, but do tend to drink a lot of juice. I myself will have to go to the dentist when I get some insurance, and get braces on top and bottom, have a couple of wisdom teeth completely removed due to cavities, etc.
My mom currently has some type of insurance. Should she just go to a regular dentist, or some other kind of specialist in the dental field?
I have a TON of dental questions. Please answer all or one!?
1) I hate my dentist and need a new one soon. I'm due to go to the dentist in like 2 weeks.
2) It seems like when I brush my teeth a lot, I get like 2 cavities every time I go to the dentist, but when I don't brush as much as I should, I don't get any cavities? Is there a chance that plaque like protects my teeth, or that toothpaste erodes them?
3) I always feel so nervous when I go to the dentist, but I can't afford sedation dentistry. I've had issues since I had to get 2 teeth pulled for braces when I was 12. It hurt like heck and now I'm afraid everything will.
4) what is your opinion? Is it better to go to a smaller dental practice, or a larger one?
In your sources, when you answer any of the questions, if you could please tell me if you have any experience in the dental field, although I listen to anyone's advice.
Mildly Exposed Roots From Over Flossing Teeth?
Hi There,
This question is directed to a periodontist only or someone in the dental field. Apparently, i mildly damaged my outside gums and caused them to recede a little below the gum line exposing some of the roots on my back teeth, from aggressive over flossing. My dentist said that she didn't think i was a candidate for gum grafts just yet, but recommended me to us very light flossing of course, since my roots are exposed, and make sure i keep my teeth very clean to prevent decay around the outside of my gum line, so she prescribed prescription fluoride because it is stronger than the over the counter version. Since there is no enamel around the exposed roots, i'm assuming the fluoride will absorb into the exposed areas of my teeth. Also, i use Act Restoring, which is supposed to strengthen the soft parts of my teeth as well. My big concern is, even if i do everything right, is it enough? I'm making an appointment anyway to see a periodontist for a second opinion.
Thank You very Much For Your Help,
D.S.
Hi Marco,
My receded gums were not caused from brushing to hard, i have a soft tooth brush and it has been confirmed that i over flossed my teeth, because i made them sore and irritatedbelow the gun line and did tissue damage.