Glossary
(See printer-friendly version for Vocabulary Activity.)
bacteria • tiny germs. Those in your mouth can create acid which can cause tooth decay.
braces • wires which put pressure on teeth to move them into correct position
calcium • mineral which makes teeth and bones strong
canines (cuspids) • pointed teeth at the sides of your mouth that are used to tear food
cavity • a hole in a tooth caused by decay
crown • the part of the tooth that shows above the gum
dental hygienist • a person who cleans teeth, takes dental X-rays, and helps patients learn how to care for their teeth
dentin • the layer of a tooth below the enamel
dentist • a doctor who takes care of teeth
digestion • breaking down food so that it can be used by the body
enamel • the hard white outside layer of a tooth
filling or amalgam • material the dentist puts into a cavity to stop tooth decay
floss • special thread used to clean food and plaque from between teeth
fluoride • a mineral which may be added to water or toothpaste to make enamel stronger
gum • soft pink skin that covers the jawbone and surrounds the necks of teeth
incisors • flat front teeth used for cutting
molars • wide grinding teeth at the back of the mouth
permanent teeth • teeth that replace the primary teeth
plaque • a sticky film with germs that forms on your teeth and can cause cavities
primary teeth • a person’s first set of teeth, often called baby teeth
pulp • blood vessels and nerves at the center of the tooth
root • the base of the tooth. The root holds the tooth in the jawbone.
saliva • the watery liquid in the mouth that mixes with food and helps digestion
toothbrush • a small brush for cleaning teeth
X-ray • a special photograph showing the bone structure inside the body. Dentists use X-rays to see between and inside teeth.