Abrasion | Wear on the teeth near the gumline, for example as a result of excessive toothbrushing |
Abscess | Pus that has built up within the tissue |
Aphthous ulcer | Ulcer in oral mucosa |
Aftab | Medication to mitigate symptoms of aphtous ulcers |
Acrylic | A plastic used in dental care |
Amalgam | Dental filling material |
Antibiotic prophylaxis | Antibiotic medication administered before a procedure |
Attrition | Tooth wear caused by e.g. grinding the teeth |
Bacteremia | The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream |
Biopsy | Extraction of sample tissues |
Bite-wing X-ray | An X-ray used to check for decay |
Bruxism | Grinding of the teeth, often at night |
Candida albicans | A common source of yeast infections |
Dentine | Calcified tissue in the tooth between the enamel and pulp |
Dentinal tubules | Microscopic channels in the dentine, filled with fluid |
Diastema | A gap between teeth |
Endodontics | Dental specialty concerned with the study and treatment of the dental pulp |
Erosion | Tooth wear caused by e.g. gastric acid or acidic soft drinks |
Fissure | A groove in the masticatory surface of a tooth |
Fluorine | An element that strengthens tooth enamel |
Gingivitis | A disease of the periodontal tissue |
Halitosis | Bad breath |
Dental implant | Dental bone-implantable artificial root, on which e.g. the crown will be built |
Cementoenamel junction | The ‘neck’ of the tooth, the area between the crown and root |
Tartar | Hardened plaque |
Cementum | A calcified substance covering the root of a tooth |
Dental technician | A person who constructs various prosthetic devices |
Orofacial cleft | Congenital malformation in which the lip and the palate are not completely closed |
Cold sores | Infection by the herpes simplex virus |
Hyposalivation | Reduced secretion of saliva |
Periodontal pocket | The space between the tooth and the gum. Normally less than 4 mm |
Incisors | Front teeth |
Root canal therapy | Treatment of infected or damaged pulpa |
Dental caries | Tooth decay that causes dental cavities |
Cariology | The study of dental caries |
Cavity | The pit that remains after the removal of tooth caries |
Complete denture | Removable dental prosthesis, used when all the teeth are missing |
Crown | The visible part of the tooth. Prosthesis to replace a single tooth |
Xerostomia | Dry mouth syndrome |
Xylitol | A sugar alcohol used as a sweetener. Bacteria causing tooth decay cannot use it for food. |
Dental laminates | Veneers attached to the front surface of teeth |
Floss pick | A device to facilitate the use of dental floss |
Leukoplakia | A white patch on a mucous membrane |
Lichen planus | A lesion in the lining of the mouth |
Molars | The large, flat teeth at the back of the mouth |
Mutans streptococci | Bacteria that cause tooth decay and cavities |
Orthodontics | Orthodontics |
Osteotomy | Surgical operation on bone |
Periodontitis | A disease of the periodontal tissue |
Periodontist | A dentist specialised in periodontics |
Pedodontia | Pediatric dentistry, children’s dental care |
Pericoronitis | Inflammation of the tissues surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth |
Periosafe test | Periosafe is an enzymatic test from saliva to determine if a patient is suffering from gum disease |
Plaque | Mass of bacteria on dental surfaces |
Periapical X-ray | An X-ray of the root of a tooth |
Dental prosthesis | Missing teeth can be restored with dental prostheses. There are many different prostheses, which can be fixed permanently or removable |
Prosthodontist | A dentist specialised in prosthetics |
Panoramic radiograph | A panoramic scanning dental X-ray of the upper and lower jaw |
Pulp | The part in the centre of a tooth |
Pulpitis | Inflammation of dental pulp tissue |
Occlusal splint | A device for the treatment of malocclusion |
Oral candidiasis | A fungal infection that occurs in the mouth; oral thrush |
Sedative | Tranquillising |
Secondary caries | Recurrent caries that occurs around or under a filling |
Bridge | A dental prosthesis used to replace a missing tooth or several missing teeth. Attached to adjacent teeth or dental implants. |
Sjögren syndrome | A connective tissue disorder that causes dryness of the mouth and eyes, amongst other symptoms |
Dental hygienist | An expert in oral health and prevention of oral diseases |
Titanium | A metal used in dental implants not rejected by the body |
Ultrasound machine | A device used in tartar removal |
Composite filling | A dental filling material |
General anesthesia | Medically induced unconsciousness |