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Glossary of Dental Terms

A handy reference

Common Dental Terms

We’ve put together this handy reference guide of terms you might hear when speaking with your dentist or support staff.

Please don’t hesitate to ask your dental care provider for clarification. We’re here to help make your experience as pleasant as possible!

Analgesia

A state of pain relief or an agent that lessens pain.

Attrition

Loss of structure due to natural wear.

Arch

Describes the alignment of the upper or lower teeth.

Apicoectomy

Surgical removal of the root tip to treat a dead tooth.

Apex

The tip of the root of a tooth.

ANUG

An acronym for Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis, commonly known as trench mouth or Vincent’s disease, which can be aggravated by stress and/or smoking.

Antibiotic

A drug that stops or slows the growth of bacteria.

Anterior Teeth

The six upper or six lower front teeth.

Anesthesia

Partial or complete elimination of pain sensation. Numbing a tooth is an example of local anesthesia; general anesthesia produces partial or complete unconsciousness.

Abrasion

Loss of tooth structure caused by a hard toothbrush, poor brushing technique or bruxism (grinding or clenching the teeth).

Resources

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Smile from Year to Year: 5 Easy Tips for a Healthier Smile in 2026

Happy New Year! Want a smile that stays bright and healthy year after year? It all starts with a few simple tips. 1. Focus on How You Brush A great smile begins with proper daily cleaning. It’s not just about brushing twice a day. It’s about making those two minutes count! Easy Tip: Replace your toothbrush…

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Holiday Self-Care Starts with Your Smile: Tips for a Healthy, Happy Season

The holidays are here! They’re full of fun, family, and, yes, maybe a little chaos. Between all the cooking, shopping, and late nights, it’s easy to let your usual routine slip. But your smile? Don’t let it take a backseat. We’ve put together a few quick tips that can keep you grinning straight into the…

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