Tooth Anatomy
What is enamel?
These teeth are used for cutting food
What are incisors?
The scientific name for cavities
What is caries?
The professional term for a routine preventive cleaning
What is prophylaxis?
This mineral strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities
What is fluoride?
This soft tissue contains the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels
What is pulp?
These pointed teeth are designed for tearing food
What are canines?
The early stage of gum disease
What is gingivitis?
This procedure removes tartar from the teeth
What is scaling?
Hardened plaque that can only be removed professionally
What is tartar?
This part anchors the tooth into the jawbone
What is the root?
These teeth are between the canines and molars
What are premolars?
This advanced gum disease destroys bone supporting the teeth
What is periodontitis?
The medical term for a dental X-ray
What is a radiograph?
Sticky bacteria that constantly forms on teeth
What is plaque?
This is the visible portion of the tooth above the gumline
What is the crown?
These large back teeth are used for grinding food
What are molars?
A painful collection of pus caused by bacterial infection
What is an abscess?
This procedure removes infected pulp to save a tooth
What is a root canal?
This term refers to the upper jaw
What is maxillary?
This is the tip of the tooth root where nerves and blood vessels enter
What is the apex?
This term describes the arrangement and development of all the teeth
What is dentition?
The involuntary habit of grinding or clenching teeth
What is bruxism?
This procedure removes a tooth from its socket
What is an extraction?
This term refers to the lower jaw
What is mandibular?