Visiting the dentist can sometimes feel like you’re stepping into a foreign land with terminology you don’t quite understand. Your dentist and hygienist may use words and phrases that leave you feeling in the dark. Understanding common dental terms can help you feel more confident, make informed decisions about your dental health, and improve communication with your dental care team.
In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the most frequently used terms and what they mean to help you feel more confident at your next dental appointment.
Dental Term #1: Plaque and Tartar
Plaque is the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on your teeth when saliva and food particles mix. If this film isn’t removed, your plaque will harden and turn into tartar, also known as calculus. Tartar is far more difficult to remove and can only be properly addressed at a professional dental cleaning. If you leave this film untreated, it can lead to the development of cavities and gum disease.
Dental Term #2: Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. When a patient has gum disease, their gums are red and swollen, and they bleed when brushing and flossing. While this term is daunting, gum disease at this stage is reversible if you maintain a proper oral hygiene routine. You should remember to brush twice daily and floss at least once daily to remove food particles, bacteria, and plaque. If you don’t address your gingivitis, it may progress into more severe gum disease.
Dental Term #3: Periodontitis
If you were once diagnosed with gingivitis and let it go untreated, it has likely progressed to periodontitis. This is a far more serious condition than gingivitis. It may lead to a serious gum infection that damages your soft tissue and jawbone, compromising the structure of your teeth. When you are diagnosed with periodontitis, you may experience chronic bad breath, gum recession, and loose teeth. At this point, untreated periodontitis may result in tooth loss.
Dental Term #4: Enamel
The enamel is the outermost, hard layer of your teeth, protecting them from decay. It is commonly referred to as the strongest substance in the human body. However, as strong as this is, it is not invincible. If your diet consists of acidic foods and sugary drinks or you grind your teeth, you may wear down your enamel. Over time, this grinding and poor diet can lead to increased tooth sensitivity and cavity development.
Dental Term #5: Dental Caries (Cavities)
While you likely know them as cavities, dental caries is the official dental term for cavities, which are holes in your teeth caused by decay. Cavities result from bacteria breaking down sugars and producing acid that damages tooth enamel. Almost 90% of adults between 20 and 64 have dealt with at least one cavity. Early treatment with fillings can prevent further decay and save you from root canals, severe tooth decay, or tooth loss.
Dental Term #6: Restorations (Fillings)
Dental restorations refer to the materials used to restore your teeth after damage or decay. The most common type of dental restoration is a filling, which is made of a composite resin, amalgam, or other materials. This service is essential for restoring the function of your teeth and can help you prevent any further damage to the tooth’s structure.
Dental Term #7: Root Canal
A root canal is a dental procedure that your dental team uses to treat a tooth with infected or damaged dental pulp, the soft tissue inside your tooth. During this procedure, any infected pulp is removed, the canals are cleaned, and the tooth is sealed with gutta-percha. This procedure is an essential step in preserving your tooth after infection. Without it, you may have the tooth extracted to prevent further oral infection.
Dental Term #8: Crown
A crown, or dental cap, is a covering that fits over weakened or damaged teeth. Once installed, these caps restore your tooth’s strength, shape, and color. This dental device may be used following a dental injury that results in chipping or cracking. You may also need a crown if your tooth is worn down from grinding. Ultimately, if your tooth is too damaged for a dental filling, your dental team will recommend a dental crown to restore its look and function.
Dental Term #9: Bruxism
Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth. For most dental patients, this grinding and clenching occurs while they are sleeping. If left untreated, bruxism can lead to worn-down enamel, jaw pain, and headaches. Your dental team may recommend wearing a custom night guard to treat bruxism. This guard protects your teeth while you sleep and can help alleviate some symptoms.
Dental Term #10: Occlusion
Occlusion refers to how your upper and lower teeth come together when you bite. Problems with occlusion can lead to discomfort, uneven wear, and jaw issues. Proper occlusion ensures your teeth function correctly and comfortably. If you have a bite problem, also known as malocclusion, your dental team may recommend orthodontic therapy like traditional braces or Invisalign to correct it.
Your Trusted Dental Team
Understanding these common terms can help you take a more active role in your oral health. Next time you’re at the dentist, you’ll feel more at ease knowing exactly what’s being discussed. If you’re looking for a reliable dentist in the Hendersonville, NC, area, turn to our team at Hendersonville Family Dental. With years of experience helping patients achieve their best oral health, we’re confident we can do the same for you. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our team or have any questions about our dental services, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
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