My name is Anfel, I am 18 years old, and I am currently in my first session of the Natural Sciences program. I’ve always been interested in health sciences, and dentistry is one of the fields that fascinate me the most. That’s why I decided to create a glossary specifically about dentistry.
This glossary is for anyone who is interested in learning more about dentistry whether you’re a student, a future dental professional, or simply someone curious about how dental care works. My goal is to make dental vocabulary more accessible and easier to understand for everyone.
Dentistry includes many technical terms that can be confusing, especially for beginners. My glossary helps solve the real-world problem of misunderstanding or misusing dental terms, which can affect communication between patients and professionals or make learning more difficult for students.
This glossary includes 15 key terms related to dentistry. Each entry provides a clear definition, and in some cases, an example or short explanation to help you better understand the term. I used reliable sources such as dental websites, science dictionaries, and educational materials to find and define the words.
To find the terms, I started by researching common dental procedures, anatomy, and tools. Then, I selected the most useful or important words and looked for accurate definitions online and in academic resources.
I hope you find this glossary helpful and informative. I encourage you to read through it and use it as a tool to deepen your understanding of the field of dentistry. If a term interests you, feel free to do more research, curiosity is the first step in learning!
braces
noun
Braces are dental devices made of metal or ceramic that are used to straighten teeth, correct bite issues, and improve dental alignment.
Example: My dentist said I need braces to fix the gap between my front teeth.
fr: appareil dentaire
cavity
noun
A hole in a tooth.
Example: The dentist found a small cavity in my back tooth during the check-up.
fr: carie
crown
noun
A cap that is placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, and function.
Example: After the root canal, the dentist placed a crown on my tooth.
fr: couronne
dental hygienist
noun
A licensed professional who cleans teeth, checks for signs of oral disease, and teaches patients how to take care of their teeth.
Example: The dental hygienist cleaned my teeth and showed me how to floss properly.
fr: hygiéniste dentaire
dental implant
noun
A metal post placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge.
Example: The dental implant looks and feels like a real tooth.
fr: implant dentaire
enamel
noun
The hard, outer surface layer of your teeth that protects them from decay. It’s the hardest substance in the human body.
Example: Enamel protects the teeth from daily wear and decay.
fr: émail
extraction
noun
The process of removing a tooth from its socket, often done when a tooth is too damaged to be repaired.
Example: I had a wisdom tooth extraction last week.
fr: extraction
filling
noun
A material used to fill a cavity after the decayed part of a tooth has been removed.
Example: The dentist gave me a filling to repair the cavity.
fr: plombage
fluoride
noun
A natural mineral that helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
Example: Fluoride in toothpaste helps prevent tooth decay.
fr: fluorure
gingivitis
noun
A mild form of gum disease that causes redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums.
Example: Red and swollen gums are common signs of gingivitis.
fr: gingivite
orthodontics
noun
A branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting teeth and jaw alignment, often using braces or aligners.
Example: Orthodontics can correct crooked teeth using braces or aligners.
fr: orthodontie
periodontitis
noun
A serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and can destroy the bone that supports your teeth if untreated.
Example: If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis.
fr: parodontite
plaque
noun
A sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If not removed by brushing, it can lead to cavities and gum disease.
Example: Brushing twice a day helps remove plaque from your teeth.
fr: plaque dentaire
root canal
noun
A dental procedure used to treat infection inside a tooth.
Example: I needed a root canal to save my infected tooth.
fr: traitement de canal
tartar (calculus)
noun
Hardened plaque that sticks to the teeth and can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.
Example: Tartar can build up if you don’t floss regularly.
