Glossary - A Guide to Dental Floss
A list of dental terms which are related to dental floss
A
Anterior
The name given to teeth which are located at the front of the mouth, e.g. incisors or canines.
B
Bone loss
This can occur as a result of teeth grinding or an infection. Bone can also become damaged as a result of gum disease.
Bridge
A device which is fitted inside the mouth to replace missing teeth. It usually contains replacement teeth or dental implants.
C
Caries
The dental name for tooth decay.
Cavity
A hole in a tooth caused by decay.
Crown
An artificial cover for a tooth. This can cover some or all of a tooth.
D
Decay
Another name for dental caries.
Dental implant
An artificial tooth root which is implanted into the jawbone and attached via a device called an abutment to a replacement tooth.
E
The hard top layer of a tooth.
F
Floss
Nylon thread which is inserted between the teeth to remove plaque and food debris.
Floss holder
A ‘Y’shaped device used to hold dental floss. Used by people who find flossing difficult to do.
Floss stick
Similar to a floss holder. Floss is wound tightly onto the stick before being inserted between the teeth.
Fluoride
A chemical substance which strengthens the surface of the teeth. It can be applied directly to the teeth via toothpaste or added to water (fluoridisation).
G
Gingiva
The technical name for the gums.
Gingivitis
Early stage of gum disease. Characterised by swollen, inflamed gums.
Gums
Soft tissue lining of the mouth which surrounds the teeth. These are normally a healthy pink colour but swollen or inflamed gums are an indication of gum disease.
The technical name for these is gingiva.
Gum disease
A condition in which the gums become red and inflamed with a tendency to bleed. There are two types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontitis is the more serious out of the two.
H
None at present.
I
Incisors
The name given to the four front teeth in the top and bottom of the jaw.
J
None at present.
K
None at present.
L
Local anaesthetic
An injection into the mouth which helps to numb the area to be treated.
M
Molars
The name given to the large teeth at the back of the jaw.
N
None at present.
O
Orthodontics
A branch of dentistry which deals with misaligned teeth and ways of correcting this e.g. braces.
P
Periodontitis
An advanced form of gum disease in which the gums have started to recede and infection has formed in the resulting pockets. This leads to a loosening of the teeth and eventual loss.
This disease affects the teeth, gums and surrounding bone structure.
Q
None at present.
R
Receding gums
A condition where the gums have started to pull away from the teeth, usually as a result of periodontitis.
Restoration
The technical name for a replacement tooth.
Root
The part of a tooth which is hidden in the jawbone.
S
Scale
A dental procedure which removes stains and plaque from the teeth. Also known as scaling.
Subgingival scaling
Scaling undertaken on teeth below the gum line.
Supra gingival scaling
Scaling undertaken on teeth above the gum line.
T
Tartar
This is caused by a hardening of plaque which forms a deposit on the teeth.
Third molar
The name given to a set of three teeth at the back of the jaw. Also known as ‘wisdom teeth’.
U
None at present.
V
None at present.
W
Wisdom teeth
The last teeth to appear which are situated at the back of the mouth. Also known as ‘third molar’.
X
None at present.
Y
None at present.
Z
None at present.