Words You May Hear Us Use

PERIODONTAL - Around or near the tooth
GINGIVITIS - Inflammation of the gums
PERIODONTITIS - Inflammation to the gums (gingivitis) but also an inflammation to the deeper structures around the tooth including the periodontal ligament, the material attaching part of the tooth (cementum) to the bone around the tooth (alveolar bone). The progression from gingivitis to periodontitis is not inevitable. Gingivitis can be prevented through your intervention. Gingivitis and periodontitis are different conditions.
PERIODONTAL POCKET - The space or pocket between the gum margin and the surface of the tooth. A significant pocker occurs only when there is periodontal disease present.
DENTAL STAIN - Stained or discoloured saliva adhered to the teeth. It is of no clinical significance.
PLAQUE - Sticky yellow to tan coloured material on the teeth containing saliva, bacteria and debris including white blood cells, fats and carbohydrates. One milligramme of plaque contains hundreds of millions of bacteria.
CALCULUS - Hard, mineralised plaque
TARTAR - Another word for hard, mineralised plaque
SCALE AND POLISH - Removal of plaque and calculus from the teeth followed by polishing to reduce the roughness on the tooth
ROOT PLANING - Removal of plaque and calculus on the root of the tooth below the gum line.
HALITOSIS - Bad breath. Often from the mouth but can also originate from deeper in the gastrointestinal system.