Basic Dental Terminology

Abrasion - Is the wearing away of enamel on teeth. This may be caused by normal grinding, friction or incorrect brushing of teeth.

Anterior teeth - These are the teeth at the front of your mouth, six upper and six lower.

Bridge - This is a device created to replace missing teeth. It imitates the tooth that originally was there and is then attached to the existing teeth on either side.

Bruxism - This is when adults or children grind their teeth while sleeping.

Caries also known as Cavities - refers to tooth decay.

Cavities - The decaying of teeth.

Cuspid - Also known as canines or eyeteeth, refers to the pointed teeth used to tear food. There are two upper and two lower.

Decay - Refers to the formation of a cavity, it is the decomposition of the tooth structure.

Dentures - Any dental appliance to replace missing natural teeth and the surrounding tissues.

Endodontics - Dental specialty concerned with the treatment of diseases of the dental pulp (nerves, blood vessels, etc., within the tooth)(Root canals).

Erupt, Eruption - When a new tooth comes in, it erupts when it breaks the surface of the gums, and you can see it.

Extraction - Is the separation and surgical removal of a tooth. Basically... pull a tooth!

Eyeteeth - A pointed tooth used to tear food, there are two upper and two lower.

Fluoride - A chemical solution or gel that you place on your teeth to help prevent decay.

Gingivitis - Is the inflammation of gum tissue.

Hygienist - A trained, licensed person who performs dental prophylaxis under the direction of a licensed dentist.

Impacted tooth - Is a tooth that has not erupted and is embedded in the jaw.

Molars - These are the teeth used for grinding food.

Pediatric Dentistry - This is a dental specialty concerned with the prevention and treatment of dental disorders in children.

Plaque - According to definition, 'is composed of secretions containing bacteria, dead tissue cells and debris', just reading that is enough to make someone go and brush their teeth!

Pulp - Soft inner structure of a tooth consisting of blood vessels and nerves.

Tartar - is the hard deposit that forms on teeth after plaque hardens.

Tooth Canal - The space within the root of the tooth that contains the pulp tissue.

These are just a few of the most common words familiar to most. Make sure to ask your dentist or dental hygienist for more details, don't be afraid to ask questions.