This glossary will help you understand the meaning of 20 words used in dental hygiene.
amalgam
noun
An inexpensive filling material made from silver, tin, zinc, copper and mercury. Mercury is nearly 50 percent of the mixture. This material is strong, but can tarnish or corrode over time.
Example: The dentist used amalgam to fill my teeth.
fr: amalgame
bicuspid
noun
Also called premolars, these teeth have two pointed cusps on their biting surface. The premolars are for crushing and tearing.
Example: In addition, the changes of width between second bicuspid and mandibular molars showed statistical significances.
fr: bicuspide
Bonding
verb
Bonding is the application of a tooth-colored composite resin (plastic) to repair a decayed, chipped, fractured or discolored tooth. Unlike veneers, which are manufactured in a laboratory and require a customized mold to achieve a proper fit, bonding can be done in a single visit. The procedure is called bonding because the material bonds to the tooth.
Example: I went to the dentist to get a teeth cleaning and bonding done.
fr: collage
Bruxism
noun
The grinding or clenching of teeth, sometimes during sleep. Many believe this grinding is caused by stress or anxiety, but it can also occur due to misaligned teeth, disease or medicines.
Example: It's called sleep bruxism, and it refers to the grinding or clenching of teeth.
fr: bruxisme
Canker sore
noun
Swellings, spots or sores on the mouth, lips or tongue. Unlike cold sores, these are not contagious and are usually caused by stress, allergies or vitamin deficiencies.
Example: I thought I had a canker sore.
fr: aphte
Cast Gold
noun
A gold alloy used to replace or fill teeth. Cast gold is more expensive and can create a shock when two gold teeth are next to each other in the mouth.
Example: A dental crown or unit can be made of cast gold.
fr: or coulé
cementum
noun
hard, bone-like covering of the root, it protects the dentin and holds the tooth in position by attaching to the periodontal ligaments.
Example: The other major tissues are dentin, cementum, and dental pulp.
fr: cément
crown
noun
the part of the tooth which is covered with enamel and which is normally visible in the mouth
Example: Toby's crown came off when he bit into the apple.
fr: couronne
dentin
noun
makes up the bulk of the tooth, protected by enamel or cementum, it protects the pulp
Example: By the fourth month the hard tissues (the enamel and dentin) of the primary teeth have begun to form.
fr: dentine
fluoride
noun
a salt of hydrofluoric acid
Example: Hygienists also apply fluoride to children's teeth.
fr: fluorure
Gingivitis
noun
Inflamed gum tissue caused by bacteria in dental plaque. Mild gingivitis causes little or no pain. You might not notice it. If left unchecked, however, it can become severe. In some people, gingivitis develops into periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss.
Example: In a recent clinical study, the beneficial effect of hydrogen peroxide on gingivitis has been highlighted.
fr: gingivite
Gums
noun
Gums are the soft tissue lining that surrounds the teeth and covers the upper and lower jaw bones in the mouth. When healthy, the gum tissue is usually pink. When inflammation occurs, the tissue may become red and inflamed and bleed.
Example: A toothpaste reduces tartar formation and treats the gums.
fr: gencives
Halitosis
noun
The professional term for bad breath. Can be caused by poor dental hygiene, infection, diet, dry mouth or illness.
Example: The chewing gum is also effective in eliminating forms of halitosis.
fr: halitose
incisors
noun
The sharp, chisel-shaped front teeth (four upper, four lower) used for cutting food.
Example: Implant and crown replaces missing right lateral incisor.
fr: incisives
lymph node
noun
the source of lymph and lymphocytes
Example: They look to see if the gums and lymph nodes under the chin show any swelling or other signs of cancer.
fr: Ganglion lymphatique
Mandible
noun
The medical term for the lower jaw that connects to the temporal bone at the side of the head.
Example: The mandible is the most commonly affected area in the maxillofacial region.
fr: maxillaire inférieure
Plaque
noun
Invisible masses of harmful germs that live in the mouth and stick to the teeth. Plaque can lead to gum disease and destroy gum tissue and teeth.
Example: It also removes plaque for clean teeth.
fr: plaque dentaire
Pulp
noun
The soft tissue in the center of all teeth, where the nerve tissue and blood vessels are. If tooth decay reaches the pulp, you usually feel pain.
Example: Dentists should avoid exposing the pulp at all costs.
fr: Pulpe
Root
noun
The part of the tooth that is embedded in bone. The root makes up about two-thirds of the tooth that holds the tooth in place.
Example: Healthy roots are important for strong teeth.
fr: racine d'une dent
scaling
verb
the act of arranging in a graduated series
Example: Examples include cleanings, scalings, applying sealants, and root planings.
