Dentistry is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders and diseases affecting the teeth, gums, and oral cavity.

_Subspecialties of Dentistry_

1. _Orthodontics_: Deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities, such as misaligned teeth and jaws.
2. _Oral Surgery_: Focuses on surgical procedures related to the teeth, gums, and oral cavity, such as wisdom teeth removal and dental implant placement.
3. _Periodontics_: Deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gum diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
4. _Prosthodontics_: Focuses on the restoration and replacement of teeth, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures.
5. _Pediatric Dentistry_: Specializes in the oral health care of children, from infancy to adolescence.

_Common Dental Conditions_

1. _Tooth Decay_: A bacterial infection that causes demineralization of tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
2. _Gum Disease_: A bacterial infection that causes inflammation and damage to the gums and surrounding tissues.
3. _Tooth Sensitivity_: A condition characterized by pain or discomfort in response to hot or cold temperatures, sweet or sour tastes, or pressure.
4. _Bad Breath_: A condition characterized by persistent bad breath, often caused by poor oral hygiene, gum disease, or other underlying medical conditions.
5. _Tooth Loss_: A condition characterized by the loss of one or more teeth, often caused by tooth decay, gum disease, or injury.

_Dental Treatments and Procedures_

1. _Fillings_: A procedure that involves filling cavities with a tooth-colored material, such as composite resin.
2. _Crowns_: A procedure that involves covering a damaged tooth with a cap, often made of ceramic or porcelain.
3. _Root Canals_: A procedure that involves removing infected pulp from a tooth and filling the canal with a special material.
4. _Dental Implants_: A procedure that involves placing artificial teeth into the jawbone to replace missing teeth.
5. _Teeth Whitening_: A procedure that involves using chemicals or light to whiten and brighten teeth.