Dentistry is a vast medical field dedicated to oral health, encompassing prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental and gum diseases. General dentistry forms the foundation of dental care, covering essential subjects that every dentist must master. Below, we explore the key subjects in general dentistry and their significance in maintaining healthy smiles.

1. Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry focuses on stopping dental problems before they develop. It includes:

• • • Oral hygiene education (proper brushing/flossing techniques).
    • Fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel.
    • Dental sealants to protect molars from decay.
    • Regular cleanings and check-ups to detect early issues.

Why it matters? Prevention reduces the need for invasive treatments like fillings or root canals.

2. Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children, addressing:

• • • Early childhood caries (baby bottle tooth decay).
    • Growth monitoring (jaw development, eruption of teeth).
    • Behavior management (helping anxious children feel comfortable).
    • Preventive care (fluoride varnish, sealants).

Why it matters? Early dental care sets the foundation for lifelong oral health.

3. Oral Pathology
This branch deals with diagnosing and managing diseases affecting the mouth, including:

• • • Oral cancer screening (detecting lesions early).
    • Mucosal disorders (lichen planus, candidiasis).
    • Salivary gland diseases (Sjögren’s syndrome).

Why it matters? Early detection of oral cancer and other diseases can save lives.

4. Oral Surgery
Oral surgeons perform procedures such as:

• • • Tooth extractions (simple and surgical).
    • Wisdom teeth removal.
    • Dental implants and bone grafting.
    • Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery).

Why it matters? Surgical interventions restore function and aesthetics in complex cases.

5. Endodontics (Root Canal Therapy)
Endodontics focuses on treating the dental pulp and roots, including:

• • • Root canal treatment to save infected teeth.
    • Pulp capping to preserve vitality.
    • Apicoectomy (surgical root tip removal).

Why it matters? It prevents tooth loss by treating infections deep inside the tooth.

6. Orthodontics
Orthodontics corrects misaligned teeth and jaws using:

• • • Braces (metal, ceramic, lingual).
    • Clear aligners (Invisalign).
    • Functional appliances for growing patients.

Why it matters? Proper alignment improves chewing, speech, and long-term dental health.

Conclusion
General dentistry is the backbone of oral healthcare, covering everything from prevention to complex treatments. By understanding these core subjects, patients can make informed decisions about their dental care, while aspiring dentists gain insight into the field’s diverse opportunities.

Regular dental visits and preventive care are crucial—don’t wait for pain to seek treatment!