Knowledge Hub

Dental Health Glossary

Oral and dental health terms explained in plain language — from A to Z

Abrasion (Tooth Wear)

Mechanical wear of tooth structure caused by brushing habits or external factors.

Abscess (Dental Abscess)

A pocket of infection that forms around the tooth root or gum.

Amalgam Filling

Silver-colored, metal-alloy filling material of the older generation.

Baby Teeth (Milk Teeth)

The first set of 20 teeth in childhood — guides for the permanent teeth.

Bridge (Dental Bridge)

A fixed prosthesis that replaces a missing tooth using neighboring teeth for support.

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, usually during sleep.

Cavity (Tooth Decay)

Loss of tooth structure caused by bacterial acids dissolving enamel and dentin.

Clear Aligner

Removable transparent trays that gradually align teeth without braces.

Composite Filling

Tooth-colored, aesthetic filling material applied in a single visit.

Crown (Dental Crown)

A protective cap that fully covers a weakened or misshapen tooth.

Dental Implant

A titanium artificial tooth root placed in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth.

Dentin

The tissue beneath the enamel that forms the main body of the tooth.

Enamel (Tooth Enamel)

The outermost layer of the tooth — the hardest tissue in the body.

Endodontics

The dental specialty focused on the tooth nerve and root canals.

Fissure Sealant

A protective coating that seals the grooves on the chewing surfaces of molars.

Fluoride

A mineral that strengthens enamel and increases resistance to decay.

Gingivitis (Gum Inflammation)

Early-stage gum inflammation marked by redness, swelling and bleeding.

Gum Recession

Loss of gum level exposing the tooth's root surface.

Halitosis (Bad Breath)

Persistent bad breath — most often originating in the mouth.

Impacted Tooth

A tooth stuck in the jaw that cannot erupt into position — most often wisdom teeth.

Local Anesthesia

Regional anesthesia that temporarily numbs only the treatment area.

Night Guard

A custom appliance that protects teeth against clenching and grinding.

Orthodontics

The specialty of diagnosing and treating misaligned teeth and jaws.

Panoramic X-Ray

A single-image scan showing all teeth and the jaw structure.

Pedodontics (Pediatric Dentistry)

The specialty caring for children's oral health from infancy to adolescence.

Periodontitis

The advanced stage of gum disease that reaches the bone and causes tissue loss.

Plaque (Dental Plaque)

The bacterial film on tooth surfaces — the main cause of decay and gum disease.

Prosthesis (Dental Prosthesis)

Artificial tooth solutions restoring the function and aesthetics of missing teeth.

Pulp (Tooth Nerve)

The nerve-vessel bundle at the tooth's center — its living tissue.

Root Canal Treatment

Saving a tooth by removing the inflamed nerve and sealing the canals.

Scaling (Tartar Cleaning)

Removal of hardened plaque (tartar) with ultrasonic instruments.

Sedation

Comfortable treatment in a semi-sleep state under an anesthesiologist's care.

Tartar (Calculus)

Plaque that has hardened through mineralization.

Teeth Whitening (Bleaching)

Safely lightening tooth color with professional whitening gels.

TMJ (Jaw Joint)

The joint connecting the lower jaw to the skull — the center of jaw pain and clicking.

Veneer (Porcelain Laminate)

An ultra-thin porcelain shell bonded only to the front of the tooth.

Wisdom Tooth

The last molars to erupt — often impacted and problematic.

Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)

Dry mouth from reduced saliva — raises the risk of decay.

Zirconium Crown

A metal-free white crown whose translucency comes closest to natural teeth.

This content is for information only; always consult your dentist for diagnosis and treatment.