Dental Terms

Endodontist. A specialist who treats disease and injury involving the pulp (commonly called the nerve) of the tooth.¹

Gingivitis. An early form of periodontal (gum) disease in which the gums are inflamed and become infected, swollen, and tender. When plaque builds up over a period of time, the buildup can lead to gingivitis.^2,3

Orthodontics. A branch of dentistry that deals with correcting irregular teeth, such as with braces.¹

Periodontitis. Gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, an infection of the gums and bones that hold the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.⁴

Plaque. A naturally occurring, sticky film of bacteria that coats the teeth. You get rid of plaque when you brush and floss. If not removed regularly, plaque can lead to gum disease.⁵

¹ “Dental Terms.”Academy of General Dentistry. http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/glossary/ Accessed 2010.

² “Disease, Gum (Disease, Periodontal).” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/2660.aspx?currentTab=2 Accessed 2010. Accessed 2010.

³ “Gingivitis.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, February 22, 2010. www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001056.htm Accessed 2010.

⁴ “Gum (Periodontal) Disease.” National Institute of Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, May 28, 2008. http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases Accessed 2010.

⁵ “Plaque.” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/public/topics/plaque.asp Accessed 2010.