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: 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.

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. 

What's that Word? Dental Jargon from A to Z: I is for Implant

A dental implant is a restoration in which a missing tooth is replaced with a support structure which is inserted into the bone, similar to the root of a natural tooth.  The post, with time, undergoes osseointegration, forming a connection with the bone.  Dental implants are often made of titanium.  They are connected to abutments which support prostheses such as crowns. 

 

Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or support a denture.  Implants provide support to dental restorations.

What is the difference between a dental implant and bridge?

An implant is inserted into the dental alveolus (socket in the bone which holds the tooth).  When only one tooth is missing, it simulates the placement of a single tooth.  A dental implant is a replacement for a natural tooth.  A dental bridge is attached to surrounding natural teeth after they are filed, which results in the loss of natural tooth structure. When possible, many dentists advise patients to maintain the maximum amount of natural tooth structure.  Bridges and implants also differ in cost.  

NPR's Science Friday: Ask a Dentist - Dr. Mark Ryder and Dr. Mark Wolff

http://www.sciencefriday.com/segment/02/22/2013/ask-a-dentist-facts-to-sink-your-teeth-into.html

Brush DJ: Free Brushing App

Dental Degrees - DDS vs DMD

Dentists often have a string of letters following their names.  The first, and most important, is DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Medical Dentistry).  Different colleges decide whether to award a DDS or DMD degree after students become fully qualified general dentists.  There is no difference in skill level or ability between a DDS and DMD.

What's that Word? Dental Jargon from A to Z: C is for Calculus & P is for Plaque, Periodontitis & G is for Gum Disease, Gingivitis

Dental plaque is a light yellow substance formed when bacteria in the mouth attach to teeth. 

Microorganisms that attach to their surface can remain in place for long periods of time. Approximately 1,000 species of bacteria can form biofilms on the teeth.  

Dental plaque can be easily removed during the early stages of its formation.  It is mineralized into tartar (also known as calculus) after approximately 10 days.  

Calculus is dark yellow hardened plaque which has hardened so it cannot be removed with a toothbrush.  It can only be removed with professional dental tools.

Plaque can contribute to tooth decay (cavity formation) and gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis).  

What's that Word? Dental Jargon from A to Z: R is for Root Canal

The mere mention of the phrase root canal leaves many Americans quivering in fear.  It's the most stereotypically feared dental treatment.

Whether performed by a general dentist or an endodontist, a root canal is performed to remove infected tissue such as nerve tissues and blood vessels from the pulp of the tooth and seal it against future infections.  Files and irrigating solutions are used extensively in this process.

Rubber Dam

How is this done?  First, the dentist takes x-rays to identify infected areas. Then, the area is numbed and a rubber dam is placed on the tooth to keep it dry and bacteria-free. The rubber dam also prevents bacteria from the infected tooth from being transferred to other parts of the mouth. Afterwards, a hole is drilled into the tooth and bacteria is removed from the tooth. It is then cleaned with root canal files, which reach into the tooth and clean and scrape the sides of the root canals.  Sodium hypochlorite or water is then used to clear any debris.  To seal the tooth, it is filled and closed with a crown following the root canal.

The procedure normally takes approximately one hour.

Why is a root canal sometimes performed by an endodontist?

• Endodontists complete several years of focused additional studies following the completion of a four year program in general dentistry.  This enables them to diagnose and treat complex cases and teeth which have had a past root canal.  
• If your case requires an endodontist, your general dentist will refer you to one during your normal cleaning appointment.  Feel free to also consult ratings guides before choosing an endodontist.  

Fun Fact: We are not the only species that gets root canals.  

Hati the tiger, of the Miami Zoo, getting a root canal

The Daily Grind: I Am a Female Dentist

Check out Dr. Colleen B. DeLacy's great piece on gender roles in a dental clinic.  As a female dentist, she has a great perspective on the experience of working in a traditionally male-dominated profession, dentistry.

The Daily Grind: I Am a Female Dentist

Dental Art

Dentist Yu Qian of Beijing, China has created a sculpture from 28,000 teeth he has extracted.  Placed in the waiting room of his dental office, it stands over 8 feet tall.

 The purpose of this 15 year endeavor was to inspire patients to care for their teeth.

Artists have also used baby teeth, which contain stem cells, to create the Palaces tooth sculpture, a work that is meant to provoke discussion about stem cell research and body part donation.  The sculpture is currently on display in Liverpool, England.

What's that Word? Dental Jargon from A to Z: S is for Sensitivity

The portion of the tooth that is normally hidden by the gums are not covered by enamel.  When dentin is exposed, it can result in tooth sensitivity as a reaction to exposure to hot or cold foods and beverages.  

What can cause tooth sensitivity?

• Whitening products
• Brushing too hard
• Gingivitis
• Gum recession
• Tooth decay around the gum line
• Grinding
• Excess plaque
• Highly acidic food
• Dental treatments

What can I do to lessen its effects?

• Talk to your dentist and dental hygienist about identifying the cause of your sensitivity.
• Brush and floss twice daily
• Switch to a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste for sensitive teeth
• Add a dental rinse with fluoride to your dental routine