| 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. |