Dentists are dental health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral diseases and conditions. The most common dental diseases that dentists treat include tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is a bacterial infection that destroys the tooth structure. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is inflammation of the gums, usually caused by bacterial infections that eventually lead to tooth loss. Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects the mouth or throat area. Dentists also treat other dental problems such as bad breath, bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, and jaw disorders. Regular dental visits are important to maintain healthy teeth and gums and to prevent or treat dental problems before they become worse.