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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!

Mastication

The process of chewing food.

Maxilla

The upper jaw.

Molars

The three back teeth in each dental quadrant used for grinding food.

Mucogingival Junction (MGJ)

The meeting of thick, protective gingival tissue around the teeth and the mucous lining of the cheeks and lips.

Malocclusion

A ‘bad bite’ or misalignment of the upper and lower teeth.

Managed Care

A program whereby patient-dentist assignment and dentist reimbursement is administered by a separate, external organization.

Mandible

The lower jaw.

Margin

The interface between a restoration and tooth structure.

Maryland Bridge

A bridge that is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth and requires minimum tooth reduction.

Resources

Why Oral Cancer Screening Is Important

In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we are focusing on a simple step that can save lives. When you visit us for a checkup, we look at more than just your teeth. We also screen for oral cancer. This is a quick and easy part of your visit, but it is one of the…

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The Secret Ingredients for a Healthy Smile

In honor of National Nutrition Month, we’re taking a closer look at the relationship between your plate and your smile. While we all know how sugar can compromise our teeth, we rarely discuss the foods that actively protect them. If you want a stronger, brighter smile, it may be time to stock your kitchen with…

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Heart Health & Your Smile: The Connection You Need to Know

February is American Heart Month. It’s a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and cardiovascular wellness. While we often think about diet and exercise as the keys to a healthy heart, your smile is another vital factor in heart health. Research continues to show a strong link between oral health and heart health.…

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