Abrasion
Wear of the enamel from aggressive brushing or hard objects.
Why it matters: May expose dentine and cause sensitivity.
When to worry: Persistent cold sensitivity.
Glossary
The words dentists use
Simple explanations for the terms you hear in an appointment — no jargon, no fear.
A
Abscess
Build-up of pus from a tooth or gum infection.
Why it matters: Sign of an infection that needs professional treatment.
When to worry: Severe pain, swelling, fever — seek care within 24 hours.
Local anaesthesia
Medicine that numbs the area to be treated.
Why it matters: Allows treatments without pain.
When to worry: Allergic reactions are rare — tell the dentist about medication.
Braces
Fixed or removable device to align the teeth.
Why it matters: Corrects bite, gaps, and aesthetics.
When to worry: Careful hygiene — risk of cavities rises with fixed braces.
B
Bruxism
Habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, often during sleep.
Why it matters: Wears enamel and causes jaw pain and headaches.
When to worry: A night guard may be recommended.
C
Cavity (Caries)
Destruction of the tooth by acids produced by plaque bacteria.
Why it matters: If untreated it reaches the pulp and causes severe pain.
When to worry: Dark spot on the tooth or sweet sensitivity.
Crown
Cap that covers a damaged tooth, restoring shape and function.
Why it matters: Protects severely worn teeth or those treated with a root canal.
When to worry: Maintain like a normal tooth — brush and floss.
D
Dentine
Tissue beneath the enamel; more sensitive.
Why it matters: Its exposure causes tooth sensitivity.
When to worry: Persistent sensitivity is a sign of a problem.
E
Endodontics
Root canal treatment — infected nerves are removed from the root.
Why it matters: Saves teeth with deep infection, avoiding extraction.
When to worry: Long procedure but painless with anaesthesia.
Enamel
White outer layer of the tooth, the hardest tissue in the body.
Why it matters: Protects the inner part of the tooth.
When to worry: Acidic and sugary drinks erode enamel.
Extraction
Complete removal of a tooth.
Why it matters: Indicated when the tooth cannot be saved.
When to worry: Follow post-operative instructions to avoid dry socket.
F
Fluoride
Mineral that strengthens enamel and prevents cavities.
Why it matters: Reduces caries risk in children and adults.
When to worry: In excess, in young children, can cause spots (fluorosis).
Dental floss
Thread that cleans between teeth where the brush cannot reach.
Why it matters: Removes plaque between teeth — where 40% of cavities start.
When to worry: Use once a day, before brushing.
G
Gingivitis
Gum inflammation — the reversible stage of periodontal disease.
Why it matters: If untreated, evolves to periodontitis and tooth loss.
When to worry: Bleeding when brushing is the first sign.
H
Halitosis
Persistent bad breath.
Why it matters: May indicate caries, gingivitis, or other causes.
When to worry: If careful hygiene does not resolve it, see a dentist.
I
Implant
Artificial titanium root placed in the bone to support a tooth.
Why it matters: Fixed replacement for a lost tooth — feels natural.
When to worry: Requires surgery and months of healing.
L
Professional cleaning
Clinic procedure to remove tartar and plaque.
Why it matters: Tartar does NOT come out with a brush — only a dentist removes it.
When to worry: Recommended once or twice a year.
M
Jaw (maxilla)
Upper bone of the mouth where the top teeth sit.
Why it matters: Trauma may affect bite and breathing.
When to worry: Jaw pain when chewing may indicate bruxism.
Crossbite
When the top teeth do not close correctly over the bottom teeth.
Why it matters: Can cause uneven wear and pain.
When to worry: Early correction in children is simpler.
O
Orthodontics
Specialty that corrects the position of teeth and the bite.
Why it matters: Improves function and aesthetics.
When to worry: Long treatment (1-3 years) — wear a retainer afterwards.
P
Periodontitis
Advanced gum disease with bone destruction.
Why it matters: Main cause of tooth loss in adults.
When to worry: Bleeding, gum recession, bad breath — seek care immediately.
Bacterial plaque
Sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth.
Why it matters: Cause of cavities and gingivitis.
When to worry: Removed with daily brushing and flossing.
Pulp
Inner tooth tissue, with nerves and blood vessels.
Why it matters: When inflamed, it causes intense toothache.
When to worry: Pulp infection requires a root canal.
Dentures
Artificial replacements for teeth (removable or fixed).
Why it matters: Restore function and aesthetics after tooth loss.
When to worry: Daily maintenance is essential.
R
Filling (restoration)
Repair of a tooth with caries or fracture, with resin or amalgam.
Why it matters: Stops the progression of caries and restores tooth shape.
When to worry: Lasts 5-15 years on average; maintain with hygiene.
S
Sealant
Protective resin applied to molar fissures.
Why it matters: Prevents caries in children and adolescents.
When to worry: Indicated on the first permanent molars.
Sensitivity
Brief pain from cold, heat, or sweet.
Why it matters: Sign of worn enamel or gum recession.
When to worry: Persistent sensitivity may indicate caries or root exposure.
T
Tartar
Hardened plaque that builds up on teeth.
Why it matters: Causes gum inflammation and cavities.
When to worry: Only removable by professional cleaning.
V
Fluoride varnish
Concentrated fluoride applied in the appointment.
Why it matters: Reinforces enamel in vulnerable areas.
When to worry: Recommended for children and adults at high caries risk.
X
Xerostomia
Dry mouth from lack of saliva.
Why it matters: Increases the risk of caries and infections.
When to worry: May be a side effect of medication — talk to your doctor.
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