What Salicylic Acid is, how it works on skin, its benefits for acne and oily skin, types of products, potential side effects, and how to use it safely.
A clear, chronological overview of key Jane Austen film and TV adaptations, including major BBC mini-series and well-known cinema versions of Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, Mansfield Park and Northanger Abbey.
English Dental Vocabulary: 30 Key Terms with Practical Sentence Examples
Learn 30 essential dental terms in English with practical examples. Master vocabulary for dentist appointments, procedures, and oral health discussions with clear definitions.
Visiting the dentist in an English-speaking country requires familiarity with specialised terminology beyond everyday vocabulary. Whether booking an appointment, describing symptoms, or understanding treatment options, precise dental language facilitates clear communication between patients and practitioners.
This glossary presents 30 fundamental dental terms with practical examples drawn from clinical contexts. Each entry includes the definition and demonstrates how the term is used in practice.
Understanding Basic Oral Anatomy
Teeth Types: Teeth have specific names based on their position and function.
Incisors: The sharp front teeth (four upper, four lower) are used for cutting.
Canines: The pointed teeth next to the incisors.
Premolars (Bicuspids): Teeth with flat surfaces for chewing, located between canines and molars.
Molars: The large, flat teeth at the back of the mouth are for grinding food. Most adults have 12 molars in total. Example: "The dentist sealed the molars to prevent cavities." Tooth Structure: A tooth has several distinct parts.
Enamel: The hard, outer layer of the tooth crown. Example: "Years of grinding had worn away the enamel on my back teeth."
Dentin: The sensitive layer beneath the enamel. Example: "Once the cavity reached the dentin, I started experiencing sensitivity."
Pulp: The inner soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels. Example: "The infection had spread to the pulp, which is why the pain became unbearable."
Root: The part of the tooth embedded in the jawbone. Example: "The X-ray showed that the root remained healthy despite damage to the crown."
Cementum: The bony layer covering the tooth root.
Surrounding Structures:
Gingiva (Gums): The soft tissue that surrounds the teeth. Example: "My gums bled when I flossed, indicating early gum disease."
Alveolar Bone: The jawbone that contains the tooth sockets.
Periodontal Ligament: The tissue that connects the tooth root to the bone.
Mandible: The lower jaw. Example: "The dentist examined my mandible for signs of bone loss."
Maxilla: The upper jaw. Example: "The maxilla supports the upper teeth and forms part of the eye sockets."
Palate: The roof of the mouth, consisting of hard and soft tissue. Example: "The hot coffee burned the palate."
Common Symptoms and Dental Problems
Accurately describing a symptom can help with diagnosis. Below are the frequent issues patients report.
Symptom/Problem
Brief Definition
Toothache
A general pain in or around a tooth
Sensitive Teeth
Discomfort or pain when consuming hot, cold, or sweet items
Cavity (Dental Caries)
A hole in the tooth caused by decay resulting from bacterial acid production. Example: "The dentist found two small cavities during the routine examination."
Gingivitis
Inflammation of the gums is characterised by redness,swelling, and bleeding. Gingivitis representsthe early stage of gum disease. Example: "The hygienist diagnosed mild gingivitisand recommended improved flossing technique."
Abscess
A localised infection characterised by swelling and pus. Example: "The throbbing pain resultedfrom an abscess at the tooth root."
Plaque
A sticky, colourless film of bacteria and food particles that forms on teeth. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar. Example: "Regular brushing removes plaque before it calcifies."
Bruxism
The habit of unconsciously grinding or clenching teeth, often during sleep
Halitosis
The clinical term for persistent bad breath
Tartar (Calculus)
Hardened plaque that adheres firmly to teeth and can only be removed by a dental professional. Example: "Significant tartar builduprequired a deep cleaning appointment."
Routine and Specialist Treatments
Dental care ranges from preventive maintenance to complex procedures.
Preventive Care:
Dental Check-up/Prophylaxis: A routine examination and cleaning of teeth and gums. Example: "Regular prophylaxis appointments every six months help maintain oral health."
Scaling: The professional removal of plaque and calculus. Example: "The scaling procedure addressed tartar buildup in the periodontal pockets."
Fluoride Treatment: Application of fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel. Example: "The hygienist applied fluoride treatment at the end of the cleaning session."
Common Restorative Procedures:
Filling: Restorative material (composite, porcelain, or metal) used to repair a tooth damaged by decay. Example: "The dentist placed a white composite filling that matched my tooth colour."
Crown (Cap): An artificial cover that restores a damaged tooth. Example: "The crown of my molar cracked after biting something hard."
Root Canal (Endodontic Therapy): Treatment to remove infected pulp from inside a tooth. Example: "Despite its reputation, the root canal procedure was relatively painless with proper anaesthesia."
Extraction: The removal of a tooth from its socket. Example: "The wisdom tooth extraction took approximately 30 minutes."
Replacements and Corrections:
Dental Implant: A titanium fixture surgically placed in the jawbone to support a crown. Example: "The implant required three months to integrate with the bone before the crown could be attached."
Bridge: A fixed prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth, anchored to neighbouring teeth. Example: "The three-unit bridge replaced the missing molar between two healthy teeth."
Dentures: Removable appliances that replace multiple missing teeth. Example: "The partial dentures replaced three consecutive missing teeth."
Braces/Orthodontics: Devices used to correct misaligned teeth or jaws. Example: "The orthodontist fitted metal braces with the expectation of an 18-month treatment period."
Administrative and Insurance Terms
Navigating dental care often involves administrative language, particularly concerning insurance and payment.
Beneficiary/Covered Person: The individual eligible for benefits under an insurance plan.
Premium: The regular payment made to maintain insurance coverage.
Deductible: The amount the patient must pay out-of-pocket before insurance contributions begin.
Coinsurance: The percentage of the cost of a covered service that the patient is responsible for after the deductible.
Copayment: A fixed fee a patient pays for a specific service (e.g., a check-up).
Claim: A formal request submitted to the insurance company for payment of services rendered.
Pre-authorisation: Required approval from the insurance company before certain treatments are carried out.
In-network vs. Out-of-network: Refers to whether a dentist has an agreement with an insurance plan, which affects reimbursement levels.
Glossary of Selected Dental Terms
The following list provides further definitions for terms you may encounter.
Abutment: A tooth or implant component that supports a dental prosthesis, like a crown or bridge.
Anesthesia: Medication used to eliminate pain; can be local (numbing one area) or general.
Bonding: The application of a tooth-coloured resin to repair chipped, cracked, or discoloured teeth.
Edentulous: The condition of having no natural teeth.
Malocclusion: A misalignment between the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is closed. Example: "The orthodontist recommended braces to correct the malocclusion."
Occlusion: The contact relationship between the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is closed.
Oral Surgery: A dental specialty involving surgical procedures, such as complex extractions or implant placement.
Periodontitis: An advanced stage of gum disease that damages the bone supporting the teeth. Example: "The X-rays revealed bone loss consistent with periodontitis."
Pontic: The artificial tooth in a dental bridge that replaces the missing tooth.
Prosthesis: An artificial device that replaces missing teeth and related structures (e.g., dentures, bridges, implants).
Sealant: A protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent decay.
Veneer: A thin layer of porcelain or composite material bonded to the front of a tooth to improve its appearance. Example: "Veneers transformed the smile by covering stained and slightly misaligned teeth."
Whitening/Bleaching: A cosmetic procedure to lighten tooth colour.
X-ray (Radiograph): An image used to diagnose problems not visible during a regular exam, such as cavities between teeth or issues with the jawbone. Example: "The panoramic X-ray revealed an impacted wisdom tooth not visible during examination."
Using Technology to Master Dental Vocabulary
Learning specialised terminology can be challenging, particularly when encountering unfamiliar words during appointments or while reading health information. Translation tools have evolved to support language acquisition in professional contexts.
Mate Translate offers functionality particularly suited to building medical and dental vocabulary. The application integrates across 200+ languages on iOS, macOS, and major browsers, allowing instant translation without interrupting workflow.
When reading dental articles or patient information sheets, double-clicking an unfamiliar term immediately displays a translation. The tool provides phonetic transcription and audio pronunciation, essential for terms with complex or unfamiliar spelling patterns. For instance, understanding how to pronounce “periodontitis” or “prophylaxis” becomes straightforward with audio playback featuring correct accents.
The phrasebook function allows users to create customised word lists organised by topic. Language learners can compile a dedicated list of dental terminology that is accessible offline and synchronised across devices. This proves particularly useful before appointments, enabling review of relevant vocabulary.
For those consuming English-language content on platforms like Netflix, Mate Translate can translate subtitles directly, facilitating vocabulary acquisition through contextual exposure. Encountering dental terms in films or series—such as when characters discuss procedures—provides real-world usage examples whilst the translation feature clarifies meaning.
The application’s clipboard translation function supports quick lookups when composing emails to dental offices or preparing questions for appointments. Text can be translated instantly without leaving the current application, maintaining focus whilst ensuring accurate communication.
Dental terminology is a distinct subset of vocabulary that requires deliberate study. The 30 terms presented here constitute foundational knowledge for navigating dental care in English-speaking environments. Familiarity with these words facilitates clearer communication, better comprehension of treatment options, and improved health outcomes.
Regular exposure to dental vocabulary through reading patient education materials, coupled with practical application during appointments, reinforces retention. Translation tools supporting pronunciation and contextual learning accelerate the acquisition process, particularly for non-native speakers managing healthcare in a second language.
