Glossary : Guide to Toothpaste

An explanation of dental jargon used in this guide.

A

Anterior

The name given to the teeth at the front of the mouth.

B

Baby teeth

Our very first set of teeth: these usually appear from the age of 6 months onwards and are eventually replaced by permanent teeth.

Bleaching

A type of tooth whitening process in which peroxide is used to remove stains and whiten the teeth.

C

Calculus

Another name for tartar: this is formed by a build up of plaque which hardens to leave a solid deposit on the teeth.

Caries

Another name for dental decay.

D

Dentine

The hard, yellow coloured substance beneath the enamel of a tooth. This can become exposed due to poor dental hygiene which results in sensitive teeth.

Diastema

Space between the teeth.

E

Enamel

The hard, white outer surface of a tooth (the crown).

F

Fluoride

A substance added to water or toothpaste which protects the teeth against tooth decay.

Fluorosis

A condition caused by excess fluoride consumption. It discolours or streaks tooth enamel.

G

Gingiva

Another name for the gums.

Gingivitis

A disease of the gums, characterised by swollen, red and bleeding gums. It can lead to the more severe periodontitis if left untreated.

H

Halitosis

Another name for bad breath.

Hypersensitivity

Also known as sensitive teeth: caused by the exposure of dentine it causes pain to be felt when the suffer eats hot or cold foods.

I

Irrigation

The name given to a solution which rinses out the mouth.

J

Jaw

The layman’s term for the mandible (lower jaw) or maxilla (upper jaw).

K

None at present.

L

Lingual

This refers to structures near to the tongue or the tongue itself.

M

Mouthwash

A type of solution which often contains antiseptic and is used to rinse out the mouth. An important part of a dental hygiene routine.

N

Nerves

Tiny structures within the tooth which transmit sensations of pain or temperature changes.

O

Oral cavity

Another name for the mouth.

Oral hygiene

Refers to the state of cleanliness in the mouth. Good oral hygiene protects the teeth against tooth decay and gum disease.

P

Plaque

A sticky substance, which contains bacteria, that forms on the teeth. This combines with acids found in many of the foods we eat and attacks tooth enamel.

If left untreated it hardens and becomes tartar.

Pulp

The soft centre of a tooth which contains nerves and blood vessels.

Q

Quadrant

A dentistry term for the corners of the mouth, e.g. upper or lower quadrant.

R

Root

The bottom part of a tooth which is anchored within the jaw.

S

Scaling

A dental procedure which involves scraping the teeth above the gum line, in order to remove plaque.

T

Tartar

Another name for calculus: a hard substance on the teeth which forms over time from the build up of plaque and food particles. It gives the teeth a characteristic yellow colour and is a sign of poor dental hygiene.

Toothpaste

A soft substance used to clean the teeth.

U

None at present.

V

Virgin teeth

A name given to teeth which are free from decay or any form of dental treatment.

Wisdom teeth

The set of teeth which are the last to appear in adults. These teeth appear in some people but not in others and are often known as ‘third molars’. They can appear at an angle within the mouth in a condition known as ‘impacted teeth’. 

X

Xerostomia

Another name for dryness of the mouth.

Y

None at present.

Z

None at present.