Dentistry

Dentistry

The science or profession dealing with the prevention or treatment of diseases of the teeth, gums, and oral cavity, the correction or removal of decayed, damaged, or malformed parts, and the replacement of lost structures. The science or profession dealing with the prevention or treatment of diseases of the teeth, gums, and oral cavity, the correction or removal of decayed, damaged, or malformed parts, and the replacement of lost structures.

Dentistry is defined as the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment (nonsurgical, surgical, or related procedures) of diseases, disorders, and/or conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area, and/or the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body; provided by a dentist, within the scope of his/her education, training and experience, in accordance with the ethics of the profession and applicable law

Click here for The branch dealing with the anatomy and development and diseases of the teeth

The branch of medicine dealing with the anatomy and development and diseases of the teeth
dental medicine, odontology crown work, jacket crown, jacket, cap, crown – (dentistry) dental appliance consisting of an artificial crown for a broken or decayed tooth;

dental appliance – a device to repair teeth or replace missing teeth

filling (dentistry) a dental appliance consisting of any of various substances (as metal or plastic) inserted into a prepared cavity in a tooth;

impression – (dentistry) an imprint of the teeth and gums in wax or plaster;

inlay  (dentistry) a filling consisting of a solid substance (as gold or porcelain) fitted to a cavity in a tooth and cemented into place

occlusion – (dentistry) the normal spatial relation of the teeth when the jaws are closed

bonding  (dentistry) a technique for repairing a tooth; resinous material is applied to the surface of the tooth where it adheres to the tooth’s enamel

medical specialty, medicine-the branches of medical science that deal with nonsurgical techniques

cosmetic dentistry – the branch of dentistry dealing with the appearance of the teeth

dental surgery – the branch of dentistry involving surgical procedures

endodontia, endodontics – the branch of dentistry dealing with diseases of the dental pulp

dental orthopedics, dental orthopedics, orthodontia, orthodontics, orthodonture – the branch of dentistry dealing with the prevention or correction of irregularities of the teeth

periodontia, periodontics – the branch of dentistry dealing with diseases of the gums and other structures around the teeth

prosthodontia, prosthodontics – the branch of dentistry dealing with the replacement of teeth and related mouth or jaw structures by artificial devices

malocclusion – (dentistry) a condition in which the opposing teeth do not mesh normally

overbite  (dentistry) malocclusion in which the upper teeth extend abnormally far over the lower teeth

crowned – having an (artificial) crown on a tooth;

uncrowned  not having an (artificial) crown on a tooth; used especially of molars and bicuspids;

 

Dentists use a lot of words to describe parts of the mouth, problems, and procedures. Your dentist can explain any term you don’t know, but in the meantime here are some you can learn about:

Click here for Terms used by Dentists

Dentistry Terms

Abrasion. Wear on a tooth caused by brushing too hard, holding things in your teeth, and other rubbing actions.

Amalgam. A dental filling material made up of a mixture of different metals such as mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Also known as a silver filling.

Band. A metal ring put around a tooth with cement as part of orthodontic treatment.

Bicuspid (also called premolar). A tooth that has two cusps, or pointed areas on top and is located in from of the molars.

Bitewing. An X-ray of the crowns of the upper and lower molars and premolars. The most common X-rays taken at a routine exam.

Bonding. The process by which a tooth-colored filling material or orthodontic bracket is attached to a tooth.

Bridge. An appliance that is cemented in place and replaces missing teeth. It attaches an artificial tooth or teeth to the natural teeth next to it.

Bruxism. An unconscious habit of grinding or clenching of the teeth which often happens when a person is sleeping or during the day.

Buccal. Of or near the inside surface of the cheeks or surfaces of the teeth or restorations directed toward the cheeks.

Calculus (tartar). A hard deposit of minerals coated with a bacterial plaque that can build up on the teeth and cause gums to get inflamed. It’s scraped off when a dentist cleans your teeth.

Caries. The technical term for tooth decay.

Cavity. An area of a tooth that’s damaged due to caries.

Cementum. The thin, hard tissue that covers the root of a tooth.

Composite. A tooth-colored filling material used to repair or cosmetically enhance teeth that are made of several types of resin-based substances.

Crown. The top part of the natural tooth that’s covered with enamel. Also, a name for the filling that covers the entire natural crown when the tooth has broken down and can’t be fixed by a smaller amalgam or composite filling.

Cusp. One of the pointed parts on the top of a tooth.

Dental floss. Thin strands of string-like material used to clean between the teeth and around the gums.

Dentin. The substance underneath the enamel on the top of a tooth, and under the cementum at the root.

Dry socket. Pain and inflammation in a tooth socket after the tooth is removed and the blood clot is lost, leaving bone and nerve ending exposed.

Enamel. The hard, calcium-rich surface that covers the crown of a tooth.

Endodontist. A specialist who treats problems of the tooth nerve (pulp) or infections in the bone associated with infected nerves with procedures such as root canal.

Tooth Extraction. The removal of all or part of a tooth.

Filling. Material that’s used to repair a damaged area of a tooth. It can be made of metals, resins (plastic), or porcelain.

Gingiva. The soft tissues around the teeth. Also called gums.

Gingivitis. An early form of gum disease where the gums are inflamed and become red, swollen, and bleed easily. It’s usually caused by plaque buildup.

Impacted tooth. A tooth that’s blocked from coming up through the gums by another tooth, bone, or soft tissue.

Implant. A device that’s put into the jaw bone to replace a missing tooth and hold a prosthesis (filling) such as a crown or bridge or anchor a denture.

Lingual. Of or near the tongue.

Malocclusion. When the upper and lower teeth aren’t lined up well in order to bite and chew properly.

Mandible. The lower jaw.• Maxilla. The upper jaw.

Molars. The large teeth near the back of the jaws that are used for grinding food.

Mouthguard. A removable device that a person wears over their teeth to protect them from damage during sports.

Nightguard. A removable device that a person wears over their teeth at night to protect them from damage due to bruxism.

Occlusion. The contact between the upper and lower teeth in order to bite and chew.

Orthodontist. A type of dentist that works to correct the position of teeth with braces and other tools.

Palate. The hard and soft tissues that form the roof of the mouth.

Pediatric dentist. A dentist who specializes in treating children.

Periodontal pocket. A deep area between a tooth and gum that’s the result of gum disease.

Periodontist. A dentist who specializes in treating the periodontal tissues that surround the teeth (gums).

Periodontitis (periodontal disease). A more severe infection of the gums that occurs when gingivitis gets worse. It can cause the gums and bones that support the teeth to break down. When severe or long-standing teeth can loosen and fall out.

Plaque. A sticky film of bacteria and other substances that coat the teeth every day. Brushing and flossing help remove plaque. If not removed regularly, plaque can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

Prosthesis. An artificial replacement of a tooth or teeth or missing soft or hard tissues.

Pulp. The soft tissue inside the tooth that has blood vessels and nerves.

Restoration. A kind of treatment that repairs or replaces teeth.

Retainer. A removable device that’s worn in the mouth to prevent teeth from moving out of position often used after orthodontic treatment or premature loss of teeth.

Root canal. A treatment that removes the tooth nerve (pulp) and seals the space formerly occupied by the nerve with an inert material. A crown is recommended to cover the tooth to prevent it from breaking.

Root planning. Cleaning of a tooth root to remove bacteria, calculus, and diseased surfaces.

Root. The bottom part of the tooth that anchors it in the jaw and is covered by bone and the gums.

Scaling. A procedure that uses tools to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth.

Sealant. A thin plastic resin coating can be placed on the biting surfaces of back teeth to help prevent caries.

Sublingual. Under the tongue.

Submandibular. Below the lower jaw.

Tartar (calculus). A hard deposit of minerals coated with a bacterial plaque that can build up on the teeth and cause gums to get inflamed. It’s scraped off when a dentist or hygienist cleans your teeth.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull.

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction. Pain, clicking, and other symptoms that are caused by problems with the temporomandibular joint and the associated muscles.

Veneer. A thin, artificial cover for a tooth to correct its shape or color. It’s made to look and feel like a real tooth. Veneers can be made of porcelain, ceramic, composite, or acrylic resin.

Xerostomia. Dry mouth caused by salivary glands that don’t work properly or reduced the flow of saliva from medications.

X-ray. An image of bones, teeth, and restorations made with radiation.

 

Names of Bones, Jaws and Supporting Structures

Maxilla: upper jaw bone

Mandible: lower jaw bone

Arch: the horseshoe (U)-shaped arrangement of the teeth and bone

Maxillary arch: upper teeth and bone around the teeth

Mandibular arch: lower teeth and bone• Quadrant: area divided in fourths. For dentistry, the mouth is divided in the midline between the two central incisors and separated between the upper and lower arches for descriptive purposes

Upper right quadrant: teeth and bone in the patient’s upper right segment. Right and left always refers to the patient’s right or left. Abbreviations refer to upper right, upper left, lower left, and lower right (UR, UL, LL, LR).

Click here for Prevention of Dental Caries

Sugars: control refined sugars in the diet, especially frequency and length of time the sugar is in the mouth. Use oral hygiene practices to remove sugars from the mouth.

Bacteria: use oral hygiene practices to remove the plaque that contains pathogenic bacteria.

Fluorides: topical fluoride treatments make the teeth less susceptible to dental caries. Fluorides that are found in the water supply, processed foods, and the fluoride toothpaste are the most effective.

Sealants: a thin layer of resin (plastic) placed in susceptible grooves and pits on the biting surfaces of the molars to prevent decay from starting.

If you notice any of these signs, see your dentist:

• gums that bleed during brushing and flossing

• red, swollen, or tender gums

• gums that have pulled away from your teeth

bad breath that doesn’t go away

• pus between your teeth and gums

• loose or separating teeth

• a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

• a change in the fit of partial dentures What You Can Do

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is very important.

Brush your teeth well twice a day. In addition, you should floss or use another between-the-teeth cleaner once a day. Consider also using an antimicrobial (germ-fighting) mouth rinse every day.

Schedule regular dental visits. Professional cleanings are the only way to remove tartar (or calculus), which traps plaque bacteria along or below the gum line.

Tell your dentist about changes in your overall health, like any recent illnesses or ongoing conditions. Provide an updated health history including medication use—both prescription and over-the-counter products.

Don’t smoke or chew tobacco. If you use tobacco, talk with your dentist about options for quitting.

Manage dry mouth. Too little saliva in the mouth can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Many medicines cause dry mouth. If you think you may have a dry mouth, talk with your dentist about ways to manage it.

 

Click here for Points for safe and healthy teeth

  1. Keep your teeth safe.
  2. Brush your tongue.
  3. Brush with Proper Technique.
  4. Use the correct type of toothbrush.
  5. Replace toothbrushes regularly.
  6. Don’t ignore aches and pains.
  7. Don’t clench your teeth.
  8. Brush Twice a day.
  9. Visit Your Dentist Regularly.
  10. Strong teeth for good eating.
  11. Love teeth, Hate toothache.
  12. Brush your teeth, crush your cavity.
  13. Care for your smile.
  14. Teeth are always in style.
  15. Be proud of your smile.
  16. Love your teeth.
  17. Cavities don’t scare us!
  18. Mrs. Smile loves Mr. Teeth
  19. Don’t rush when you brush.
  20. Because yellow is NOT the new white.
  21. Beauty is power. A smile its sword.
  22. Brush and floss or prepare for the loss.
  23. Complete teeth are awesome.
  24. Smile to the world.
  25. Be a good boss, always brush and floss.
  26. Smile, you’re with us now.
  27. Your Smile is worth it.
  28. Dental care for life.
  29. Keep your teeth safe.

 

Click here for Best food Vs Worst food for your teeth

Best Food Worst Food
 Vitamin C Canned Fruits
Cheese Candies
Milk Carbonated Drinks
Leafy Greens Potato Chips
Fish Ice
Green Tea Dried Fruits
Nuts Lemonade
Eggs Citrus fruits
Strawberries Pickles
Yogurt Coffee
Carrots Soda
Garlic Energy Drinks
Ginger Alcohol
Whole Grains White Bread
Sweet Potatoes Peanut, Butter, Jelly
Apples Tomatoes
Almonds White wine
Raisins Popcorn
Cocoa Vinegar
Pears Cocktails
Soy Milk
Pulses
Spinach
Oats

 

Modern dentistry has come a long way, there are still many dental myths that are passed on by word of mouth. Here is the truth about some common dental misconceptions:

Myth  #1: You can’t brush too often You think that constant brushing throughout the day will help you achieve supreme dental health and whiter teeth?

While dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, brushing too much may scratch off tooth enamel (especially if you brush too hard).

Myth #2: If gums are bleeding, brushing and flossing should not be done.

The opposite is true. Regular brushing and flossing is needed to remove plaque build-up which causes gum bleeding. Bleeding is a sign of gum brokerage, more care must be practiced to avoid harder to treat oral problems. Professional dental cleaning may be required if the bleeding persists.

Myth #3: Having the wisdom teeth removed will prevent crowding of the teeth.

There are very few cases when wisdom teeth cause crowding of the teeth. In many cases, they don’t so remove them will not solve the crowding problem or will not re-straighten the teeth. If pain or discomfort is felt with the emerging wisdom teeth, a dental visit is necessary.

Myth #4: The more you brush the healthier your teeth will be.

Over-brushing the teeth can wear the teeth due to the abrasive property of toothpaste. This could lead to dental problems. In between the twice-a-day brushing regimen, rinse after eating and chew sugar-free gum to avoid plaque build-up.

Myth #5: Children need not be taken to the dentist until they have their second tooth.

Dentists recommend that a child be taken to the dentist by the age of one for good advice on how to care for the child’s teeth and promote a healthy dental routine for life.

Myth #6: Teeth whitening is harmful as it can damage the teeth.

Teeth whitening done professionally will cause no damage to the teeth enamel but it may cause teeth sensitivity and gum redness in the short-term.

Myth #7: Dental treatment should be avoided during pregnancy.

A dental check-up is recommended during pregnancy for a regular dental check-up, cleaning, and fillings. Local anesthetics and X-rays are okay although they are to be done only when necessary. The dentist should be informed of the pregnancy before any procedure since some dental treatments are to be avoided entirely during pregnancy – amalgam removal and taking of antibiotics.

Myth #8: Women lose a tooth for each child they have given birth to.

More of an ‘old wives tale’ than a myth, this is untrue. Hormonal changes while pregnant can exaggerate bacteria in the mouth that can cause bleeding gums or gingivitis. Tooth loss is unlikely with a thorough and regular cleaning regimen.

Myth #9: Dental X-rays are unnecessary.

It is necessary to have dental X-rays to detect decay and other problems and it should not be feared because the radiation dose is very small especially when dentists use digital radiography.

Myth #10: Weight loss can affect the fit of your dentures.

The shape of the bone under the tissue determines the fit of the denture and weight loss has nothing to do with the denture.

Myth #11: The more sugar you eat the more you will damage your teeth. Everyone who was (and is still) a kid likely heard some version of “if you eat too much sugar, your teeth will fall out.” Sugar, does, in fact, damage teeth, but the act of consuming it isn’t the cause of cavities. It isn’t how much or how frequently one eats sugar. It is how long the sugar remains on the surface of the teeth that cause dental problems. Eating sugar and rinsing your teeth immediately afterward will not cause harm to your teeth.

Myth #12 : My parents had good dental health so I don’t really have to worry about mine.

Though genetics may play a small role in determining your dental health, it is mostly up to you to take good care of your teeth and gums to keep them healthy in the long term.

Myth #13 : If there is no visible problem with my teeth, I don’t have to see a dentist.

Just because your teeth look healthy doesn’t mean that it is a good idea to skip going to the dentist. You should visit your dentist twice a year for an exam and dental cleaning to make sure that your teeth stay healthy and that any dental problems are treated before they become serious.

Myth #14 : Brushing my teeth more than once a day can harm my enamel.

Most dentists recommend using a soft toothbrush to avoid being overly rough on gums and teeth. If you do so, you shouldn’t run into any problems brushing twice a day or — if possible — after each meal.

Dental myths may prohibit a person from pursuing healthier dental care and may gradually cause bigger problems. Visiting your family dentist will help alleviate fallacy. Developing good oral hygiene with the help of your dentist will make smiling a lot easier and confidence boost higher. Proper dental care is part of everyone’s general health condition. Taking care of your teeth as much as you take care of yourself reflects your total well-being.