Dental Dictionary

The longitudinal vertical plane that divides the mouth into two halves (left and right.)

The secretions from the salivary and oral mucous glands that lubricate chewed food, moisten the oral walls, and initiate the digestion of starches.

A suction tube that is placed in a patient's mouth to remove saliva during dental procedures.

Glands located under the tongue and in the cheeks that produce saliva.

A tooth-cleaning procedure used to remove plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.

A composite material, usually a plastic coating, that is bonded to the biting surface of teeth to seal decay prone pits, fissures and grooves of teeth to prevent decay.

A type of dentin that is produced by tooth pulp as a protective mechanism in response to tooth irritation. Its stimulation is the primary goal of pulp-capping treatment.

The thirty-two adult teeth that replace the baby (primary teeth). Also known as permanent teeth or the permanent dentition.

The first permanent tooth to erupt, usually between the ages of five and six.

An opening in the jaw bone into which teeth fit.

A dental device that holds the space lost through premature loss of baby teeth. It prevents the other teeth from moving into that space so the permanent teeth can erupt in their proper time and place.

A dental device used to connect two or more teeth so they function as a stronger single structure. It may be removable or fixed.

A pre-made metal crown, shaped like a tooth, that is used to temporarily cover a seriously decayed or broken down tooth. Used most often on children's deciduous teeth (baby teeth).

The removal of calculus and plaque from the surfaces of teeth below the gum line.

The normal space between the gum tissue and the tooth.

An extra tooth.

The removal of calculus and plaque from teeth above the gum line.