What's that Word? Dental Jargon from A to Z: O is for Occlusion

Occlusion is the manner in which upper (maxillary) and lower (mandibular) teeth contact and rest on one another when they are brought together to close the mouth or chew, commonly called bite.

Dynamic occlusion, or articulation, is the occlusion when there is jaw movement.  This includes when you are eating.  Static occlusion is occlusion when the jaw is closed and is not moving.

Dynamic Occlusion

Static Occlusion

When there is improper contact resulting in misalignment, it is called malocclusion.  Malocclusion is associated with a variety of problems.

Both genetic variation and environmental factors affect occlusion and can result in malocclusion, since bone structure and the size, shape, and location of teeth vary between people.  Tumors, impacted teeth, pacifier use, improperly fitted oral appliances, wear/abrasion, restorative treatments (such as braces, fillings, invisalign, and crowns), breathing though the mouth, biting on nails or other objects, thumb sucking, and injury can also lead to malocclusion.

As a person ages and develops, their occlusion may change.  Remember that many infants are born without teeth, baby teeth erupt and are gradually replaced by permanent teeth.  All teeth are subject to wear and infection.  People may also have supernumerary (more than a normal number of) teeth, may be missing teeth, or may have large, small, or loose teeth, which may lead to malocclusion.

Malocclusion should be treated by a dentist.  A dentist will be able to evaluate a patient and check for malocclusion.

What's that Word? Dental Jargon from A to Z: D is for Disclosing Tablets, Swabs, and Solution

Disclosing Tablets

Disclosing tablets, solution, and swabs have a dye which is often vegetable dye which stains plaque on the teeth a bright color.  They help patients improve their brushing habits by showing them areas where plaque has not been removed after brushing.  They are used with mirrors to facilitate self-examination.

Disclosing Swabs

Disclosing Swabs

Disclosing tablets, solution, and swabs are sold without a prescription because the vegetable dye is not harmful or painful to the patient.  Some are flavored to improve their taste.

Disclosing Solution and Tablets

It is important to regularly remove all plaque from the surface of the teeth because this accumulation of bacteria on the tooth's surface can build up and harden, becoming tartar/calculus which can only be removed by a dental professional.  Disclosing tablets, solution, and swabs help you see areas where plaque is not removed so it does not mineralize and form tartar/calculus.

After going through your general dental hygiene routine of brushing and flossing, you can use a disclosing product.

• Plaque Disclosing Tablet: Chew a tablet and swish your saliva around your mouth for approximately 30 seconds.  Spit it out.
• Plaque Disclosing Swab: Wipe tooth surfaces with the swab.
• Plaque Disclosing Solution: Swish the solution in your mouth for approximately 30 seconds.  Spit it out.

Pay attention to any instructions on the packet.

Check for the colorful dye, particularly near the gum line, near the surfaces where teeth touch, and behind the teeth, with a small mirror.

If there are stained areas, remove the stained plaque by brushing and flossing.  Note these areas and make sure that you pay attention to them the next time you clean your teeth.  You may wish to use these products several times until you have no stained areas.

This technique is particularly helpful for children or adults who who are learning how to brush/floss or wish to  verify that they are using proper oral hygiene habits.

These products may stain clothing.  They may also stain the mouth for several hours so it is advisable to use them at night.  If you use a dental mirror, run it under warm water to prevent it fogging up in your mouth.  Also, check the ingredients if you have any allergies.

What's that Word? Dental Jargon from A to Z: E is for Extraction

A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth (also commonly called pulling a tooth).  Both dentists and oral surgeons often perform extractions.

Substantially decayed or infected teeth and third molars/wisdom teeth (particularly impacted teeth) can be extracted.  Teeth are often extracted during  orthodontic treatment in order to create space in the mouth.  Baby teeth are also extracted if they are preventing causing misalignment in a new permanent tooth.

Note: Although they are not permanent, is important to protect baby teeth from decay so they can serve as placeholders, facilitating the proper emergence of permanent teeth.  They are also important so a child has adequate chewing surfaces during a time of great growth and development.  Unless a dentist determines that a baby tooth needs to be removed, it should be allowed to remain in the mouth and fall out naturally as the child ages.  

  

A simple extraction is the removal of a tooth that can be easily accessed by a dental professional.  A surgical extraction is the removal of a tooth that is difficult to access, usually because it is not fully erupted or has broken under the gum line.  Local anesthetics are used for simple extractions and general anesthetics are used for surgical extractions.  Teeth may also be extracted in small sections.

Simple Extraction  

Surgical Extraction of Third Molar / Wisdom Tooth (Right)

Edentulous (Lacking Teeth) Space Left Post-Extraction

If the tooth was not extracted because it is not a baby tooth, third molar/wisdom tooth, or causing crowding, an implant, bridge, partial denture, or denture may be among future treatment options considered by the dentist in order to avoid the medical and aesthetic problems that can arise from having spaces lacking teeth in the mouth.

Bleeding, swelling, bruising, nerve injury, dry socket, infection, and soreness may result from extraction.  It is not advisable to drink with a straw, use tobacco products, eat hard foods, or floss/brush the area around the extraction in the 24 hours following the extraction.  Gently gargling with a saltwater solution or gently biting on gauze may be advised.  Dentists often give information about how to care for the extraction site after the extraction.

What's that Word? Dental Jargon from A to Z: F is for Filling

When a tooth is subjected to trauma or has decay, a dental filling may be used to restore it.  If a tooth is decayed, first, the decayed matter must be cleared.  

Fillings can be tooth colored or metallic.  When choosing between the types, a patient should consider durability, the potential for sensitivity, and aesthetics.

Several fillings are tooth colored, including dental composites, glass ionomer cement, and porcelain/ceramic.  These tooth-colored fillings vary in composition.  They restore the tooth structure while appearing to be part of the original tooth.  

Composite Filling

Gold and amalgam, an alloy of mercury and other metals, are also commonly used filling materials. They are not tooth-colored so aesthetic concerns are important when considering these options.  

Gold fillings are durable but can cause irritation because they conduct cold and heat.  They are very long-lasting.

Concern has been raised about the mercury contained in amalgam fillings but the American Dental Association (ADA) has stated that the mercury in amalgam fillings is not a health hazard.

Aluminum, tin, thorium, iron, and platinum have also been used for fillings.

Fillings, on average, last approximately 8 years for composite resins and 13 years for amalgam restorations.  The lifestyle of a patient, including food choices and dental care regimens, also affect the lifespan of a filling.

Dental Specialties

The American Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties: 

1. Dental Public Health

2. Endodontics

3. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

4. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

6. Orthodontics

7. Periodontics

8. Pediatric Dentistry

9. Prosthodontics

Dentists who choose to specialize must undergo further training beyond their four year general dental training (which is normally started after the completion of a four year undergraduate curriculum and many pre-requisite courses).  This training normally lasts several years.  

What's that Word? Dental Jargon from A to Z: H is for Halitosis

Halitosis, a symptom of a variety of dental conditions, results in an undesirable odor when a person exhales.  It is also called bad breath.  This can lead to social anxiety and depression since bad breath is a social taboo in many communities.

Bad breath can be a result of eating foods with strong odors like onions and garlic.  Rinsing, brushing, flossing, and using a mouthwash can temporarily mask these odors.  Eating food without a strong odor can easily prevent bad breath if this is the cause.

Bad breath can also be the result of habits or health problems.  Failing to brush and floss regularly and effectively can leave bacteria in the tongue, gums, and teeth.  This can also occur if dental appliances, such as dentures and retainers, are not routinely cleaned thoroughly or do not fit correctly.  The use of tobacco products can also cause bad breath. 

Persistent bad breath can also be a symptom of periodontal (gum) disease, which is caused by plaque buildup on the teeth.  Xerostomia, dry mouth, can also cause bad breath because there is not enough saliva to clear the mouth of dead cells that build up on the tongue and neutralize acid buildup caused by bacteria in the mouth.  Yeast infections in the mouth, dental caries/cavities caused by tooth decay, and respiratory tract infections are among the wide variety of diseases that also cause bad breath.  Many medications can also lead to bad breath. 

If you are concerned about your breath, you should speak with your dental hygienist and dentist.  They may work with a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in the treatment of gums, or a doctor to treat your problem.  Dentists and dental hygienists can also recommend ways to prevent bad breath. 

What Steps Can You Take To Prevent Bad Breath?

1. Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoridated toothpaste.  Make sure that you are brushing all surfaces of every tooth.  Also, brush your tongue. 
2. Floss your teeth twice a day by cupping each tooth with the floss. 
3. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months or after you are ill.
4. Rinse your mouth with water or an anti-bacterial mouthwash.
5. Clean dental appliances, like dentures and retainers, regularly and thoroughly.  Consult your dentist about which products and schedule work best for the particular product.  Clean them before putting them in your mouth if they have been removed.
6. See your dentist every 6 months for a checkup.  Talk to your dentist if you have any concerns.
7. Avoid tobacco products.  Consult your dentist and/or doctor to help you do this.
8. Drink adequate amounts of water each day to keep your mouth moist.  You can also chew sugarless gum with xylitol to increase saliva flow. 
9. Talk to your dentist about your diet and medications.