Gums & prevention
Dental glossary
Explore terms in Gums & prevention. Read their definitions and related concepts to prepare questions for your dental visit.
Gums & prevention 43
Gingival recession
Gingival recession occurs when the gumline moves toward the root, exposing the root surface. Teeth may look longer or become sensitive, and the cause and progression are assessed.
Crown lengthening
Crown lengthening adjusts the position of the gums and, when needed, bone to expose more natural tooth in the mouth. It is considered to obtain tooth structure for restoration or adjust the proportions of teeth and gums.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums that may cause redness, swelling, or bleeding. It is often associated with plaque, and the tissues supporting the teeth are checked for damage.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a disease involving inflammation and damage to tooth-supporting tissues such as the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. Treatment follows assessment of periodontal pockets, bone loss, and tooth mobility.
Connective tissue graft
A connective tissue graft transfers connective tissue to increase gum tissue thickness or cover an exposed root. A common approach uses tissue obtained from a site such as the palate and grafts it where needed.
Oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment
Oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment removes plaque around appliances to help prevent decay and gum inflammation. Areas around appliances and spaces between teeth are cleaned separately, and fluoride use is also considered.
Occlusal trauma
Occlusal trauma refers to damage to supporting tissues, such as the periodontal ligament, associated with forces applied to teeth. Tooth mobility or discomfort on chewing alone does not establish the diagnosis; other causes must be distinguished.
Mouthrinse
A mouthrinse is a liquid used to rinse the mouth. Depending on its ingredients, it may support decay prevention or plaque and gum inflammation management, but it does not replace brushing and interdental cleaning.
Furcation involvement
Furcation involvement is damage to periodontal support where multiple tooth roots divide. The space between molar roots is assessed for the extent of the lesion and cleanability.
Fluoride
Fluoride is used to prevent decay by influencing the balance between demineralization and remineralization at the tooth surface. It is used in several forms, including toothpaste and professional applications, with individual risk and conditions of use considered.
Professional topical fluoride application
Professional topical fluoride application places fluoride on tooth surfaces at a dental clinic to support decay prevention and management of early lesions. Methods such as varnish or gel are chosen according to age, decay risk, and application conditions.
Dental fluorosis
Dental fluorosis is a developmental change in enamel that may result from excessive fluoride intake while teeth are forming. Mild cases may appear as faint white lines or spots.
Dental scaling
Dental scaling removes plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and, where needed, below the gumline using instruments. The required extent and subsequent periodontal treatment depend on gum condition.
Caries risk assessment
Caries risk assessment examines the likelihood and related factors of future decay development or progression to establish a prevention and care plan. Alongside current decay diagnosis, it considers past history, habits, and protective factors.
Interdental brush
An interdental brush is a small brush for cleaning spaces between teeth or around appliances. Choose a size suited to the space and use it without excessive pressure on the gums.
Root planing
Root planing addresses deposits and contamination on root surfaces below the gumline as part of periodontal treatment. It is planned with scaling and other care after assessment of pockets and inflammation.
Dental calculus
Dental calculus, or tartar, is a hard deposit formed when plaque mineralizes and adheres to tooth or prosthesis surfaces. It can occur above or below the gumline and requires professional removal.
Dental floss
Dental floss is a thin thread or tape used to clean between teeth. It removes plaque and food from proximal surfaces that are difficult for a toothbrush to reach.
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