20 important dental care terms you should know

1. Caries (Cavities)

   - Tooth decay caused by bacteria producing acid that destroys the tooth's enamel and its underlying layer, the dentin.

2. Plaque

   - A sticky, colorless film of bacteria and sugars that forms on teeth. If not removed, it can harden into tartar.

3. Tartar (Calculus)

   - A hard deposit that forms when plaque is not removed and hardens on the teeth, which can only be removed by a dental professional.

4. Gingivitis

   - The earliest stage of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily.

5. Periodontitis

   - A serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss.

6. Root Canal Therapy

   - A dental procedure to remove infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth, clean, disinfect, and fill the root canals.

7. Dental Crown

   - A cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and improve its appearance.

8. Dental Bridge

   - A dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth or dental implants.

9. Dental Implant

   - A surgical component that interfaces with the bone of the jaw to support a dental prosthesis, such as a crown, bridge, or denture.

10. Orthodontics

    - A branch of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly using braces, aligners, and other devices.

11. Dental Veneers

    - Thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve appearance.

12. Teeth Whitening

    - A cosmetic procedure to lighten the color of teeth using bleaching agents to remove stains and discoloration.

13. Dentures

    - Removable replacements for missing teeth and surrounding tissues, available as complete or partial sets.

14. Sealants

    - A thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities.

15. Fluoride Treatment

    - The application of fluoride to the teeth to strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay.

16. Occlusion

    - The way in which the upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth is closed.

17. Bruxism

    - The habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, which can lead to tooth wear and jaw pain.

18. Oral Hygiene

    - The practice of keeping the mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy to prevent disease.

19. Periodontal Pocket

    - A deepened space between the tooth and gum that can harbor bacteria, leading to periodontal disease.

20. Composite Filling

    - A tooth-colored filling made from a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles used to restore decayed teeth.