Glossary of Oral Health Terms
Abrasion - tooth wear caused by forces other than chewing, such as improper brushing
Abutment - a tooth or an implant that supports an artificial device replacing teeth
Amalgam - an alloy used in dental restorations
Arch - upper or lower jaw
Band - a metal ring orthodontists cement to a tooth to strengthen and anchor it
Bonding - a composite resin applied to change the shape or color of a tooth
Bruxism - grinding and clenching of teeth during the day or while sleeping
Calculus - a hard deposit of mineralized material adhering to crowns or roots of teeth
Caries - tooth decay
Cementum - the hard connective tissue covering the tooth root
Crown - an artificial covering that can cover or replace the major or whole part of a tooth
Dentin - the part of the tooth beneath enamel and cementum
Enamel - hard, calcified tissue of the crown of a tooth
Gingivitis - inflammation of the soft gingival tissues that encircle the necks of teeth
Impacted tooth - one blocked from surfacing, partly or completely, by another tooth, bone or tissue
Implant - a device that is placed surgically in bone as support for a prosthesis
Malocclusion - improper alignment of biting and chewing surfaces of upper and lower teeth
Mandible - lower jaw
Maxilla - upper jaw
Palate - the hard and soft tissues forming the roof of the mouth
Plaque - a soft, sticky, naturally occurring substance that accumulates on teeth
Pulp - the connective tissue inside the tooth containing blood vessels and nerves
Retainer - a device used to stabilize teeth
Root canal - treatment of disease and injury of the pulp
Scaling - a procedure to remove plaque, calculus, and stains from teeth
Veneer - a tooth covering that may be made of porcelain, ceramic, composite or acrylic resin