Local Anaesthesic:

A drug which masks pain and removes sensitivity in the injected area, whilst maintaining the patient’s consciousness.

Baby Bottle Decay:

When tooth decay occurs in the milk teeth of young infants and toddlers.

Bleaching:

The removal of stains from a tooth’s enamel leaving teeth looking white and healthy.

Bonding:

A dental procedure which aims to change the shape and colour of teeth through applying resin type material to the tooth and sculpturing it.

Braces:

A method of teeth straightening which involves brackets and metal wires being attached to the teeth.

Bridges:

These are used to bridge the gap between two teeth, caused by a missing tooth.

Brushing:

The action of cleaning your teeth with a toothbrush. Your dentist recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice a day.

Brush Abrasion:

The wearing away of your tooth structure through excessive brushing or force on the brush. This can damage your gums and teeth.

Bruxism:

This occurs when people grind their teeth unintentionally which causes the tooth to gradually wear away.

Composite Resins:

A plastic tooth coloured material which can replace damaged tooth structure and metal fillings.

Crowns:

A natural crown is the enamel part of the tooth above the gum line which if broken, can be fixed by an artificial substitute.

Dental Implants:

Natural looking tooth replacements for missing teeth.

Dentures:

A set of artificial teeth.

Diabetes:

This is the medical condition when the body is unable to control its own sugar levels. This can be caused through excessive sugar consumption.

Fissure Sealants: 

A way of reducing the risk of cavities which involves coating the tooth in a thin plastic sealant.

Flossing:

CLeaning between the teeth and below the gumline in the space between teeth to remove bacterial plaque which could otherwise lead to gum disease and or tooth decay.

Fluoride:

A compound which can prevent tooth decay when included in toothpaste or water.

General Dentistry:

This type of dentistry covers all aspects of routine dental work.

Periodontitis:

A form of gum disease which is caused by infection in the tooth’s root which can cause the bone and gum surrounding the tooth to wear away.

Gingivitis:

An inflammation of the gums.

Gum disease:

An umbrella term for gum diseases which include Periodontitis and Gingivitis.

Halitosis:

The medical term for bad breath.

Implant:

A permanent artificial tooth which replaces a missing tooth.

Inlay:

A restoration made of metal, ceramic or composite, which has been custom fabricated in a dental laboratory to restore a tooth cavity.

Interdental Brush:

A miniature spiral type brush used to help clean the spaces between teeth

Invisalign:

An invisible way of straightening teeth without the need of traditional braces.

Mouth guard:

A protective teeth shield which should be worn in contact sports like hockey or rugby

Oral Hygiene:

Keeping your mouth clean and healthy can prevent oral cancer and other mouth complications. This can be achieved by brushing teeth regularly.

Oral cancer:

This includes the cancer of the lips and all the areas inside the mouth, and can be provoked by poor oral hygiene or smoking.

Pregnancy and dental care:

Pregnant women are more prone to Gingivitis, therefore during pregnancy it is important for women to have regular hygiene visits to the dentist.

Root treatment:

This procedure is needed when the root canal of a tooth has become infected and needs to be cleaned out. Also called endodontics.

Sensitive Teeth:

Teeth can be sensitive once the enamel has eroded, but teeth sensitive toothpastes can be used as a preventative measure.

Toothbrushes:

Multiple bristles attached to a plastic handle which can be used to clean teeth (see tooth brushing).

Toothpaste:

A paste which can be used to clean teeth.

Smoking:

Smokers are more likely to suffer from periodontal disease or oral cancer.

Snoring: 

Oral appliances can be worn to prevent snoring and can be custom made and fitted by your dentist.

Plaque:

A sticky substance stuck to a tooth which is caused by bacteria feeding on food remnants.

Prevention:

Preventative care consists of using fluoride mouth washes and having fissure sealants, preventing possible tooth decay in the future.

Dental Caries (Tooth Decay):

The disease process resulting in the formation of cavities in teeth, caused by the frequent consumption of sugary foods.

Retainer (Orthodontic):

A device worn post-orthodontic treatment to ensure teeth don’t move back to their original state.

Retainer (Bridge):

The part of a bridge which is attached to the natural tooth.

Sedation:

A calming effect produced by the administration of a valium type drug (orally or intravenuosly) which can be used to reduce anxiety before dental procedures

Tartar:

The yellow/brown deposits that build up on teeth over time leading to the development of gum diseases.

Veneer:

Thin shells of porcelain that are fixed onto the front of a tooth in order to cosmetically improve a smile.

White Fillings: 

A natural looking alternative to metal fillings.

Wisdom Teeth: 

Teeth which develop in a person’s late teens or early 20s at the back of the mouth. These sometimes cause inflammation and occasionally have to be removed.