Oral Care Library

Glossary of common dental terms

Alveolar bone

The part of the jawbone that holds the sockets of the teeth. Bone loss around teeth in periodontitis is alveolar bone loss.

Attachment loss

Loss of the connective tissue that attaches the gum to the tooth root. A key measurement in staging periodontitis.

Biofilm

A structured community of bacteria on a surface. Dental plaque is a biofilm.

Bleeding on probing (BOP)

Bleeding that appears when a dental probe is gently placed in the gum sulcus. One of the most reliable signs of active inflammation.

Bruxism

Grinding or clenching the teeth, often at night. Can worsen tooth and periodontal problems.

Calculus (tartar)

Hardened plaque that has mineralized on tooth surfaces. Cannot be removed by brushing.

Chlorhexidine

A prescription antimicrobial rinse used short-term for plaque control.

Dentin

The layer beneath enamel that contains microscopic tubules connected to the nerve; exposure causes sensitivity.

Enamel

The hard, mineralized outer layer of a tooth crown.

Furcation involvement

Bone loss at the point where a multi-rooted tooth's roots divide.

Gingiva

The gum tissue surrounding the teeth.

Gingivitis

Reversible inflammation of the gingiva without bone loss.

Halitosis

Chronic bad breath.

Mobility

Looseness of a tooth, graded 1–3, from slightly detectable to visible movement.

Periodontal ligament

The fibrous tissue that suspends the tooth in its socket.

Periodontitis

Inflammation that has moved below the gum line and destroys periodontal ligament and bone.

Plaque

The soft, sticky biofilm of bacteria that constantly reforms on tooth surfaces.

Pocket

Deepening of the sulcus caused by attachment loss, typically 4 mm or greater.

Probing depth

Measurement in millimeters of the sulcus or pocket around a tooth.

Recession

Migration of the gum margin apically, exposing part of the tooth root.

Scaling and root planing

A non-surgical periodontal procedure to remove plaque and tartar and smooth the root surface.

Sulcus

The natural shallow crevice between a healthy gum and the tooth surface, normally 1–3 mm deep.

Tartar

See calculus.

Xerostomia

Dry mouth, from medication or medical conditions, that raises risk of both cavities and gum disease.