Top 10 Dental Terms You Should Know
- Cavities – Holes in teeth caused by decay
- Plaque – A sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth
- Tartar – Hardened plaque that can only be removed by a dentist
- Gum disease – Infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss
- Root canal – A procedure to remove infected or damaged tissue from a tooth
- Crown – A cap placed over a damaged tooth to protect and restore it
- Bridge – A device used to replace missing teeth
- Dentures – Removable prosthetic teeth
- Braces – A device used to straighten teeth
- Impacted tooth – A tooth that has not fully emerged from the gums
- Wisdom teeth – The last set of molars to emerge in the back of the mouth
- Enamel – The hard, outer layer of teeth
- Dentin – The layer of tooth beneath the enamel
- Pulp – The soft tissue inside a tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels
- Extraction – The process of removing a tooth
- Filling – A material used to fill cavities
- Bonding – A procedure to repair chipped or discolored teeth
- Scaling – A deep cleaning of the teeth and gums
- Whitening – A cosmetic procedure to lighten the color of teeth
- X-ray – An imaging technique used to diagnose dental problems. Yes you know this one for sure but do you know the types 🙂
- Bruxism – The habit of grinding or clenching teeth, often during sleep
- Halitosis – Chronic bad breath
- Orthodontics – A specialty of dentistry concerned with the alignment of teeth
- Occlusion – The way the teeth fit together when the jaw is closed
- Abscess – A pus-filled sac that forms in the gums or at the root of a tooth
- Gingivitis – Inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria
- Periodontitis – An advanced form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss
- Prophylaxis – A routine cleaning and examination of the teeth and gums
- Sealant – A thin coating applied to teeth to prevent decay
- Enamel erosion – Loss of the hard outer layer of the tooth due to acid exposure
- Dry socket – Pain and inflammation that can occur after a tooth extraction
- Malocclusion – Misalignment of the teeth and/or jaws
- Tooth sensitivity – Pain or discomfort when teeth are exposed to hot, cold, or sweet foods/drinks
- Overbite – When the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth too much
- Underbite – When the lower front teeth overlap the upper front teeth too much
- Retainer – A device used to maintain the position of teeth after orthodontic treatment
- Implant – A surgical component that is placed into the jawbone to support a dental prosthesis
- Crown lengthening – A surgical procedure that exposes more of a tooth’s structure for restorative or cosmetic purposes
- Caries – Another term for tooth decay
- Fluoride – A mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
