Dental Terminology

noun a type of synthetic material made from acrylic acid or its derivatives, used in making fabrics and plastics

• The artist used acrylic paint to create a vibrant landscape.
• I bought some acrylic yarn to knit a cozy sweater.
• I love how that acrylic nail polish looks on you!
• His emotions were like acrylic, transparent and easily seen by all.

adjective relating to or denoting sounds produced by the air stream striking the back of the alveolar ridge, typically found in languages like English

• The alveolar process is an important structure in the human skull.
• I had to get a filling in one of my alveolar teeth.
• My alveolar bone is hurting from that last dental appointment.
• The alveolar ridges of the mountain range provided a stunning backdrop for the campsite.

noun a small cavity, pit, or hollow, in particular, a small air sac in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged during breathing

• The alveolus is the tiny air sac in the lungs where gas exchange takes place.
• When you breathe in, air goes into the alveolus in your lungs.
• I heard that smoking can damage your alveolus and cause breathing problems.
• The company is like an alveolus, constantly exchanging ideas and information to stay alive.

noun a mixture or combination of different elements

• The dentist used an amalgam of silver, tin, copper, and mercury to fill the cavity.
• I heard that new restaurant serves an interesting amalgam of different cuisines.
• The movie was a strange amalgam of horror and comedy genres.
• The team's success was due to the amalgam of talent and hard work.

noun a structure or body part that is located towards the front or forward position

adjective referring to the front or forward position of something

• The anterior part of the brain is responsible for higher cognitive functions.
• I bumped into the anterior wall and hurt my shoulder.
• I always sit in the anterior row in class to avoid distractions.
• The anterior approach to problem-solving involves looking at the issue from a different angle.

noun a tooth that has two points or cusps, especially a premolar tooth

adjective having two points or cusps, especially a premolar tooth

• The dentist pointed out a cavity on my lower right second bicuspid.
• I had to get a filling on my back tooth, the bicuspid.
• I hate when my bicuspid hurts, it's the worst.
• His decision was like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, it was as mismatched as a molar and a bicuspid.

noun a wound or mark made by biting

verb to use the teeth to cut into something

• The dog gave a warning growl before delivering a quick bite to the intruder's leg.
• I took a big bite out of the delicious sandwich my mom made for lunch.
• I can't believe she tried to bite my style by copying my outfit.
• His harsh words seemed to bite into her confidence, leaving her feeling small.

noun a small piece or quantity of something

verb to use teeth to cut into something or someone

adjective having a sharp or pungent taste

• The dog was biting on a bone in the backyard.
• Ouch, that mosquito keeps biting me!
• I can't believe she was biting on his style like that.
• Her biting remarks left a lasting impact on the team.

adjective describing something that is related to or resembling bone; skinny or gaunt in appearance

• The doctor noted that the patient had a bony structure, indicating a low body fat percentage.
• She's always been self-conscious about her bony arms, but I think they look great.
• That skateboarder has some seriously bony legs, dude.
• The old tree had bony branches reaching out in all directions, like gnarled fingers.

noun a structure carrying a road, path, railroad, or canal across a river, ravine, road, railroad, or other obstacle.

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• The bridge was constructed using the latest engineering techniques.
• Let's meet at the bridge at 3 pm.
• I can't believe he actually bought that bridge in Brooklyn.
• The new policy acts as a bridge between the company and its employees.

noun a medical term for tooth decay or cavities

• Dental caries is a common chronic disease caused by bacteria in the mouth.
• I heard that too many sweets can lead to caries in your teeth.
• Eating too much candy will definitely give you cavities.
• Neglecting to take care of your responsibilities can lead to caries in your work performance.

noun a decayed part of a tooth

• The dentist found a cavity during the routine check-up.
• I need to schedule a dentist appointment because I think I have a cavity.
• I can't eat anything sweet because my cavity is killing me.
• There was a cavity in the wall where the painting used to hang, leaving a noticeable gap in the room's decor.

noun the fleshy part of either side of the face below the eye and above the jaw

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• She gently placed a kiss on his cheek as a gesture of gratitude.
• He couldn't help but blush when she pinched his cheek and called him cute.
• I can't believe she had the cheek to ask me for a favor after what she did.
• The comedian's jokes were so funny, they had everyone in stitches, slapping their cheeks with laughter.

verb The action of grinding food with the teeth.

• The sound of her chewing was disruptive during the meeting.
• She was caught chewing gum in class again.
• Stop chewing my ear off about that movie, I'll watch it when I have time.
• He was chewing over the idea of starting his own business for weeks.

noun A tight grasp or grip

verb To close tightly; to grip or grasp tightly

• She could feel her hands start to clench as she tried to control her anger.
• I could see him clenching his fists, ready to throw a punch.
• He was clenching so hard, his knuckles turned white.
• The suspense was so intense, I could feel my heart clench in my chest.

noun a circular ornamental headdress worn by a monarch as a symbol of authority

verb to invest with regal power; to declare or acknowledge as a king, queen, or emperor

• The queen wore a magnificent crown during the coronation ceremony.
• Check out the bling on her crown, it's so shiny!
• That crown is straight fire, yo!
• She was the crowned champion of the competition.

noun the act of placing or bestowing a crown on someone or something

adjective describing the act of placing or bestowing a crown on someone or something

• The crowning ceremony took place at the royal palace.
• The crowning moment of the party was when the cake was brought out.
• That new movie is the crowning jewel of the summer blockbuster season.
• Winning the championship was the crowning achievement of her career.

noun a pointed tooth, especially a canine tooth in humans

• The dentist pointed out that the cuspid is one of the four types of teeth in the human mouth.
• I think I have a cavity on my cuspid tooth.
• I chipped my cuspid while eating a popcorn kernel.
• His wit was as sharp as a cuspid tooth.

noun a slight hollow in a hard surface, typically caused by an impact or pressure

verb to make a dent in something, typically by impacting or applying pressure

• The dentist filled in the small dent in the patient's tooth.
• I accidentally made a dent in my car door when I opened it too quickly.
• My brother's new car is so cool, not a dent on it!
• The recent scandal put a dent in the company's reputation.

adjective relating to the teeth or dentistry

• Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining good oral health.
• I have a dental appointment next week to get my teeth cleaned.
• I hate going to the dentist for my dental check-up.
• Taking care of your dental hygiene is like taking care of your overall health.

adjective having toothlike or serrated edges

• The leaf margins of the plant are dentate, with sharp teeth along the edges.
• The edges of the leaf look like they have little teeth, all dentate and pointy.
• The leaf is all jagged and dentate, like it's ready to bite someone.
• Her words were like dentate edges, cutting through the silence with their sharpness.

noun a small tooth or toothlike projection, especially on the surface of a shell or the exoskeleton of an arthropod

• The denticle on the shark's skin helps reduce drag as it swims through the water.
• I noticed a small denticle on the edge of the table.
• That denticle on your car bumper is really noticeable.
• Her sharp words were like denticles, leaving small wounds on his ego.

noun a hard, glossy substance that covers the surface of teeth and some other parts of the body

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• The enamel on the antique vase was beautifully preserved.
• I accidentally chipped the enamel on my coffee mug.
• That car's paint job is so shiny, it looks like enamel.
• She had a tough exterior, like enamel, but was soft on the inside.

noun a sudden outbreak or occurrence of something, such as a volcanic eruption

• The volcanic eruption caused widespread damage to the surrounding area.
• Did you hear about the eruption of that volcano last night?
• The eruption was totally lit, dude!
• The eruption of emotions during the meeting was unexpected.

noun a long, pointed tooth, especially a canine tooth of a carnivorous animal

• The vampire's sharp fangs glistened in the moonlight as he approached his victim.
• I accidentally bit my lip and now it feels like I have fangs.
• That guy's smile is so creepy, it looks like he has fangs or something.
• The company's legal team showed their fangs during the negotiation process.

noun a substance used to fill a space or container

adjective describing something that is used for filling

• The filling in the pie was made with fresh strawberries and sugar.
• I love the filling in these donuts, it's so creamy and delicious.
• This burrito has the best filling, I can't get enough of it.
• Her laughter was like a filling that warmed the room with joy.

adjective Flossy is an adjective describing something that is fancy or stylish, often with a luxurious or glamorous connotation.

• The fabric used for the dress was very flossy and luxurious.
• She always wears those flossy shoes to parties.
• That car is so flossy, it must have cost a fortune.
• Her hair was so shiny and smooth, it looked flossy like silk.

noun a common and mild form of gum disease that causes irritation, redness, and swelling of the gingiva

• Gingivitis is a common gum disease caused by plaque buildup.
• My dentist told me I have gingivitis because I haven't been flossing regularly.
• I need to step up my oral hygiene game or I'll end up with gingivitis.
• Neglecting small issues can lead to bigger problems, like how ignoring gingivitis can result in serious gum disease.

adjective relating to the tongue

• The glossal muscles are responsible for moving the tongue during speech.
• I can feel my glossal muscles getting tired from talking so much.
• I need to work on my glossal strength for better pronunciation.
• Her sharp wit was like a glossal sword in conversation.

verb to grind or strike the teeth together in anger or pain

• The patient began to gnash their teeth in pain as the dentist worked on their cavity.
• I could hear my dog gnash on his bone in the other room.
• The kids were gnashing on some pizza at the party.
• She could feel the stress building up inside her, causing her to gnash her teeth in frustration.

noun the action of biting or chewing something repeatedly

adjective causing persistent discomfort or worry

• The constant gnawing of rodents can cause damage to buildings over time.
• I can't concentrate with this gnawing hunger in my stomach.
• That gnawing feeling you get before a big test is the worst.
• The gnawing guilt of not speaking up when I had the chance still haunts me.

verb to bite or chew on something repeatedly, often making a grinding or crunching sound

• The beavers gnawed through the logs to build their dam.
• My dog loves to gnaw on his chew toy.
• I could hear my stomach gnawing away at itself from hunger.
• The guilt of his actions gnawed at him constantly.

noun a small cut or wound

verb to feed on growing grass

• The cattle were allowed to graze in the pasture for several hours each day.
• The sheep graze on the hillside all day long.
• Let's go graze on some snacks at the buffet.
• His mind would often graze over the memories of his childhood.

noun a facial expression usually of disgust, disapproval, or pain

verb to make a facial expression usually of disgust, disapproval, or pain

• She couldn't help but grimace at the sight of the decaying building.
• I grimaced when I tasted the bitter coffee.
• He grimaced when he saw his ex with someone new.
• His words caused her to grimace in emotional pain.

noun A broad smile expressing satisfaction or amusement

verb To smile broadly

• She greeted him with a polite grin before beginning the meeting.
• I couldn't help but grin when I saw the surprise party they had planned for me.
• His cheesy pickup line made her grin and roll her eyes at the same time.
• The success of the project made the team grin from ear to ear with pride.

verb to smile broadly, especially in an unrestrained or silly manner

• She walked into the room, grinning from ear to ear as she greeted her colleagues.
• I caught my friend grinning mischievously as she played a prank on our other friend.
• The comedian had the audience grinning like Cheshire cats with his hilarious jokes.
• The old man sat on the park bench, grinning at the memories of his youth.

noun a sweetened and flavored soft material used for chewing

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• Chewing gum is not allowed in the library.
• Do you have any gum I can have?
• I love popping bubble gum!
• His words were like gum, sticking to my mind long after he had spoken.

noun a type of candy made from gelatin, sugar, and flavoring

adjective having a soft, sticky texture; chewy

• The gummy bears were a popular choice for the dessert table at the formal event.
• I love snacking on gummy worms while watching movies.
• These gummy candies are so addicting, I can't stop eating them!
• Her smile was as sweet and gummy as a piece of candy.

noun a medical term for bad breath

• Halitosis is a medical term used to describe bad breath.
• I heard that using mouthwash can help with halitosis.
• Dude, your halitosis is killing me. Brush your teeth!
• The company's financial troubles were like a lingering halitosis that couldn't be ignored.

noun a physical obstruction or pressure on something

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• The patient presented with symptoms of shoulder impingement, requiring further examination.
• I think I might have an impingement in my knee from all that running.
• My shoulder is killing me, must be that impingement acting up again.
• The impingement of conflicting schedules made it difficult to find a time to meet.

noun a narrow-edged tooth at the front of the mouth, adapted for cutting

• The incisor is one of the front teeth in the human mouth.
• I chipped my incisor while biting into a hard candy.
• That incisor is looking sharp, dude!
• His incisor-like wit cut through the tension in the room.

noun a space that intervenes between things; an intervening space

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• The interspace between the two buildings allows for natural light to filter through.
• I found a cozy little spot in the interspace between the couch and the coffee table.
• Let's hang out in the interspace behind the school during lunch.
• The poet often explores the interspace between dreams and reality in her work.

noun a plural noun referring to the hard white material composing the tusks of elephants and other similar animals, often used to make piano keys

• The pianist skillfully played the ivories during the classical concert.
• I love tickling the ivories on the piano in my free time.
• She's a pro at tinkering with the ivories on the keyboard.
• The artist painted a beautiful picture of an elephant with its majestic ivories.

noun a speech sound produced by bringing the lips together

adjective relating to or involving the lips

• The labial consonants are produced by restricting the airflow with the lips.
• She had to practice pronouncing the labial sounds for her language class.
• I can't seem to get the hang of these labial sounds, they're so tricky!
• The labial harmony of the music created a soothing atmosphere in the room.

adjective relating to language or the tongue

• The lingual abilities of the patient were tested by the speech therapist.
• I heard she's been taking lingual classes to improve her pronunciation.
• I can't believe how lingual he is, he can speak so many languages fluently.
• Her lingual skills in negotiation helped her seal the deal.

noun The part of the mouth that is used for speaking, eating, and kissing.

• Her lipstick perfectly accentuated her full lips.
• She applied a bold red color to her lips before going out.
• Her lips were poppin' with that new gloss on.
• His words were like honey, sweet and smooth as they touched her lips.

verb to make something less tight or firm

adjective having the quality of being less tight or firm

• The mechanic advised to loosen the bolts before trying to remove the engine.
• You might want to loosen up a bit and have some fun at the party.
• I need to loosen my grip on the situation and just go with the flow.
• She decided to loosen the reins and give her employees more freedom in their work.

verb to make something slightly wet or damp

• The process of moistening the soil is essential for the growth of healthy plants.
• Don't forget to bring an umbrella, it looks like the sky is moistening up.
• I can't believe how moistening that cake turned out!
• Her words had a way of moistening my dry spirit, bringing hope to my heart.

noun a tooth at the back of the mouth, used for grinding and chewing food

• The dentist examined the patient's molar for any signs of decay.
• Ouch, my molar is killing me!
• I need to get this molar checked out ASAP.
• The molar of the story is to always brush and floss regularly.

adjective capable of being shaped or formed

• The clay was extremely moldable, allowing the artist to create intricate details in the sculpture.
• I love working with this moldable material because it's so easy to shape and mold.
• This moldable stuff is like magic - you can bend it and shape it however you want!
• Her mind was moldable, open to new ideas and perspectives.

adjective not allowing the passage of air, water, or other fluids

• The nonporous surface of the countertop makes it easy to clean.
• I prefer using nonporous containers for storing food.
• Dude, that nonporous phone case is so sleek!
• Her nonporous demeanor made it hard to know what she was really feeling.

noun an obstruction or blockage

verb to obstruct or block

• The dentist explained how the food particles can occlude the small spaces between teeth.
• Make sure to brush your teeth properly to prevent any food from occluding your teeth.
• I hate when popcorn kernels occlude my teeth!
• His stubbornness occludes him from seeing the truth.

noun the alignment or positioning of the teeth when the jaws are closed

• The dentist identified an occlusion in the patient's bite, causing discomfort.
• My sister had to get braces because of an occlusion in her teeth.
• I can't eat popcorn because of this stupid occlusion in my mouth.
• The political occlusion prevented any progress on the new legislation.

noun a palatal consonant, which is produced by raising the back of the tongue against the hard palate

adjective relating to the palate, or the roof of the mouth

• The palatal consonants are produced by raising the middle of the tongue towards the hard palate.
• She couldn't pronounce the palatal sounds correctly in the new language she was learning.
• I have a palatal lisp that makes me sound like I have a stuffy nose.
• The palatal tones of the piano filled the room with a sense of tranquility.

adjective describing something that is shiny or lustrous like a pearl

• The pearly gates of the palace gleamed in the sunlight.
• She wore a beautiful pearly necklace to the party.
• Check out those pearly whites after using that new whitening toothpaste!
• The pearly tears of joy glistened in her eyes.

adjective relating to or affecting the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth

• The periodontic treatment involved deep cleaning of the gums to address the gum disease.
• I have to go see the periodontic specialist for my gum issues.
• I heard that periodontic stuff is no joke, gotta take care of those gums!
• His attention to detail was like a periodontic examination, leaving no stone unturned.

noun a flat, thin piece of metal or stone with writing on it, typically used as a memorial or for decoration

• The plaque on the wall commemorates the founding of the university.
• I got a plaque for winning first place in the science fair!
• Check out the cool plaque I got for my birthday!
• The plaque of guilt weighed heavy on his conscience.

noun a thin coating of metal applied to an object for decorative or protective purposes

• The chef demonstrated the proper technique for plating the dish.
• I love watching cooking shows where they show off their plating skills.
• Check out the fancy plating on this dessert, it looks amazing!
• The artist used different shades of blue for the plating of the sky in the painting.

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence, in this case, the act of inserting or filling a hole or gap with something

• The technician is plugging in the power cord to start the machine.
• I'll be plugging in my phone to charge it up.
• I'm plugging away at my homework before the deadline.
• She's always plugging her business in conversations to get more clients.

noun a type of ceramic material made from clay and other materials, often used for making dishes and decorative items

• The delicate porcelain vase was carefully displayed in the museum.
• I accidentally broke my mom's porcelain figurine.
• That porcelain teapot is so boujee.
• Her skin was smooth and flawless, like porcelain.

noun a magazine or book containing lurid subject matter and being characteristically printed on rough, unfinished paper

verb to reduce to pulp

• The pulp of the orange contains a high amount of vitamin C.
• I love drinking orange juice with pulp in it.
• I can't stand pulp in my juice, it feels weird in my mouth.
• The pulp of the story revealed the true intentions of the protagonist.

noun a type of gum disease characterized by inflammation and discharge of pus

• Pyorrhea is a serious gum disease that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
• My dentist told me I have pyorrhea and need to floss more often.
• I heard pyorrhea can make your breath stink really bad.
• Neglecting to take care of your oral hygiene is like inviting pyorrhea to set up camp in your mouth.

verb present participle of rasp

adjective having a harsh, grating sound

• The sound of the raspings on the metal indicated that the surface needed to be smoothed out.
• His rasping voice made it difficult to understand what he was saying.
• I can't stand the rasping noise coming from that old fan.
• The rasping criticism from her boss left her feeling defeated.

verb to move back or away from a previous position or point

• As the floodwaters began to recede, the extent of the damage became clear.
• I watched as the tide started to recede, revealing hidden treasures on the shore.
• After a few days of partying, I could feel my energy receding.
• With each passing day, her enthusiasm for the project seemed to recede.

noun a sticky flammable organic substance, insoluble in water, exuded by some trees and other plants

• The artist used a special type of resin to preserve the delicate details of the sculpture.
• I heard that resin is a popular material for making custom jewelry.
• I'm loving the resin coasters you made, they're so cool!
• His words were like resin, sticking in my mind long after he had spoken.

noun the action of returning something to a former owner, place, or condition; the process of repairing or renovating a building, work of art, etc.

• The restoration of the historic building required meticulous attention to detail.
• They're finally starting the restoration of the old house down the street.
• I heard they're doing a restoration on that beat-up car in the garage.
• The restoration of their friendship took time and effort, but it was worth it in the end.

noun the state of being retroflexed

• The retroflexion of the vocal cords is necessary for producing certain sounds in some languages.
• I learned about retroflexion in my linguistics class - it's pretty interesting!
• I can't believe I pulled off that retroflexion move on my skateboard!
• The retroflexion of her thoughts led her to reconsider her decision.

noun a photograph or image produced by X-rays, especially for diagnostic purposes

• The doctor reviewed the roentgenograph to assess the patient's condition.
• The X-ray technician took a roentgenograph of my broken arm.
• I had to get a roentgenograph of my teeth at the dentist.
• The detective examined the roentgenograph of the crime scene for clues.

noun the part of a plant that attaches it to the ground and gathers water and nutrients

verb to establish deeply and firmly

adjective basic or fundamental

adverb rootedly

• The root of the problem lies in the lack of communication within the team.
• I heard the root cause of the issue was a misunderstanding between them.
• She's always at the root of drama in our friend group.
• His love for music has deep roots in his family's musical heritage.

adjective describing a shape or edge that resembles the teeth of a saw

• The saw toothed blade is designed for precision cutting.
• I accidentally cut myself on the saw toothed edge of the paper.
• Watch out for that saw toothed edge, it's sharp!
• His words had a saw toothed effect, cutting through the tension in the room.

noun a drug that has a calming effect and is used to induce sleep or reduce anxiety

adjective having a calming or soothing effect

• The doctor prescribed a sedative to help the patient relax before the surgery.
• I took a sedative last night to help me sleep better.
• I need to pop a sedative to calm my nerves before the big presentation.
• Listening to classical music has a sedative effect on my mind.

noun saliva or liquid running from one's mouth; drool or slobber

verb to let saliva or liquid run from one's mouth; to drool or slobber

• The child was told to stop slabbering and speak clearly.
• Why are you slabbering all over your shirt?
• She was slabbering about her new crush to her friends.
• The politician continued to slabber on about his achievements during the speech.

noun a petty quarrel or dispute

verb past tense of the verb 'spit', meaning to eject saliva forcibly from one's mouth

• The two politicians engaged in a heated spat during the debate.
• My siblings and I had a little spat over who gets to use the TV remote.
• I can't believe they started a spat over something so trivial.
• The storm clouds spat raindrops as we hurried to find shelter.

noun a verb meaning to eject saliva from the mouth

verb to eject saliva from the mouth

• The doctor asked the patient to spit into the cup for a saliva sample.
• Don't forget to spit out your gum before going into the meeting.
• I can't believe he just spit in her face like that!
• His words were like spit in my face, I couldn't believe he would say such hurtful things.

noun a plural noun referring to the hard, white structures in the mouth used for biting and chewing food

• Dental hygiene is crucial for maintaining healthy teeth.
• I need to schedule a dentist appointment to check on my teeth.
• I chipped a tooth while eating that hard candy.
• She clenched her teeth and pushed through the pain to finish the race.

noun a hard, bonelike structure in the mouth used for biting and chewing food

conjunction used to show that someone is making a great effort to fight or compete

• The competitors fought tooth and nail to win the contract.
• They were fighting tooth and nail over the last piece of cake.
• The two teams were going at it tooth and nail during the game.
• She defended her thesis tooth and nail against any criticism.

noun a hard, bonelike structure in the jaw of most vertebrates, typically attached to the jaw or rooted in sockets and typically composed of a core of soft pulp surrounded by a layer of hard dentin that is coated with cementum or enamel at the crown and used f

• The dentist recommended a root canal to save the infected tooth.
• I have a toothache and need to see a dentist soon.
• I chipped my tooth on a popcorn kernel, it's so annoying!
• She has a sweet tooth for chocolate and can't resist it.

adjective having teeth or tooth-like projections

• The saw has sharp toothed edges for cutting through wood efficiently.
• I bought a toothed comb to help detangle my hair.
• I need to get my toothed gear fixed before the big race.
• His smile was like a toothed grin, full of mischief and charm.

noun a severe form of gingivitis characterized by painful ulcers and necrosis of the gums and jaw

• Trench mouth, also known as acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, is a severe gum infection caused by bacteria.
• My dentist warned me about trench mouth after I neglected my oral hygiene for too long.
• I heard that not brushing your teeth can lead to trench mouth, that's gross!
• Neglecting to take care of your responsibilities can result in a metaphorical trench mouth of problems piling up.

noun a thin decorative covering of fine wood applied to a coarser wood or other material

• The furniture was finished with a beautiful veneer to give it a polished look.
• I love how the veneer on this table makes it look so fancy.
• That car may look nice on the outside, but it's just a veneer for all the problems it has.
• His charming smile was just a veneer hiding the sadness in his eyes.

noun a solid substance that is typically used for polishing and protecting surfaces

verb to apply wax to something

• The antique furniture was carefully waxed to preserve its shine.
• I need to wax my car before the road trip.
• Let's wax those skis before hitting the slopes.
• Her confidence waxed and waned throughout the competition.

noun the branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the gums and other structures surrounding the teeth

• Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
• My friend is studying periodontics in dental school and she really enjoys learning about gum health.
• I heard that getting regular cleanings can help prevent needing periodontics treatments down the road.
• In the field of dentistry, periodontics is like the foundation of a house - if it's not healthy, everything else can be affected.

noun the specialized tissues that surround and support the teeth, including the gums, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone

• The periodontium refers to the tissues that surround and support the teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone.
• Taking good care of your periodontium is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
• I heard that neglecting your periodontium can lead to some serious dental issues.
• The periodontium can be likened to the foundation of a building, providing stability and support for the teeth.

noun A person who designs, constructs, and fits dentures for patients

• The denturist carefully crafted a new set of dentures for the patient.
• I heard the denturist is really good at making dentures that fit perfectly.
• My friend's mom is a denturist and she hooks us up with discounts on teeth stuff.
• The denturist of the group, she always knows how to fix any awkward situation with a joke.

adjective relating to or affecting the surfaces of the teeth that come into contact when the mouth is closed

• The occlusal surface of the tooth is responsible for chewing and grinding food.
• Make sure you brush the occlusal surface of your teeth to prevent cavities.
• I can feel something stuck in my occlusal area, it's annoying!
• The occlusal relationship between the upper and lower teeth must be properly aligned for proper bite function.

noun a gap or space between two teeth, especially in the front teeth of humans

• The dentist recommended orthodontic treatment to close the diastema between her front teeth.
• She's considering getting braces to fix the gap between her teeth.
• She's thinking about getting her teeth fixed to close the gap in the front.
• The diastema between their friendship seemed impossible to bridge.

noun an extreme fear or phobia of going to the dentist

• Dentophobia is a common fear that many people experience when visiting the dentist.
• I have dentophobia, so I always get anxious before my dental appointments.
• My dentophobia is so bad that I'd rather endure a toothache than go to the dentist.
• Her dentophobia was like a shadow that followed her everywhere, influencing her decisions and causing her distress.

noun a misalignment or incorrect relation between the teeth of the two dental arches when they approach each other as the jaws close

• Malocclusion is a misalignment of the teeth that can cause dental problems.
• My dentist told me I have malocclusion, which is why I need braces.
• I never realized I had malocclusion until my orthodontist pointed it out.
• In a metaphorical sense, malocclusion can represent the imbalance in one's life.

noun A distorted facial expression.

verb To distort one's face in a grimace or expression of pain or disgust.

• The patient began to gurn as the anesthesia wore off after surgery.
• I couldn't help but gurn when I tasted the sour candy.
• She was gurning so hard at the music festival, it was hilarious.
• His exaggerated facial expressions made him look like he was gurning in disbelief.

noun a verb used to describe the action of tightening or contracting muscles, typically in response to stress or tension

• The patient began to clench up as the doctor approached with the needle.
• I always clench up when I watch scary movies.
• I could feel myself starting to clench up during the intense scene.
• Her heart seemed to clench up with fear as she heard the news.

adjective not capable of being absorbed or soaked up

• Nonabsorbable sutures are often used in surgeries where long-term wound support is needed.
• You'll need to get nonabsorbable stitches for that cut so they last longer.
• Make sure they use the nonabsorbable stuff for your stitches, it's stronger.
• His nonabsorbable attitude towards change made it difficult for the team to progress.

noun a substance that causes constriction of blood vessels, leading to an increase in blood pressure

adjective describing something that causes constriction of blood vessels

• The medication acts as a vasoconstrictor, causing blood vessels to narrow.
• The doctor prescribed me a vasoconstrictor to help with my circulation issues.
• I need to take a vasoconstrictor to get rid of this headache.
• His words were like a vasoconstrictor, causing tension and discomfort in the room.

noun the medical term for the gums surrounding the teeth

• The dentist examined the patient's gingiva for signs of inflammation or infection.
• I need to floss more often to keep my gingiva healthy.
• My gums are sore because I accidentally bit my gingiva while eating.
• The company's financial health can be compared to the gingiva of a person - it needs regular care and attention to stay healthy.

noun a small amount of saliva used for cleaning or washing something

• The nurse performed a spit wash on the wound before applying the bandage.
• I just gave my shoes a quick spit wash to clean off the dirt.
• I'll just give this plate a spit wash before we use it again.
• He tried to spit wash his mistake by apologizing profusely.

verb to remove or destroy material through erosion, vaporization, or other means

• The tumor was successfully ablated using a minimally invasive procedure.
• The doctor zapped the tumor away with a laser beam.
• They totally nuked that tumor, it's gone!
• His harsh words ablated her self-confidence.

noun a type of expression or gesture

adverb describing how something is done with an open mouth

• Il est impoli de manger à bouche ouverte lors d'un dîner formel.
• Arrête de parler à bouche ouverte, c'est dégoûtant.
• Elle rigole toujours à bouche ouverte, c'est contagieux.
• Il a été surpris à bouche ouverte en découvrant la surprise.

verb past tense of abrade

adjective worn away by friction; scraped

• The surface of the metal was abraded by the abrasive material.
• Her knees were abraded after falling on the pavement.
• I can't wear these jeans anymore, they're too abraded.
• His pride was abraded by the harsh criticism.

noun a structure built to support the lateral pressure of an arch or span, e.g., at the ends of a bridge.

• The engineer designed a sturdy abutment to support the weight of the bridge.
• The workers are fixing the abutment on the side of the road.
• I accidentally bumped into the abutment while walking down the street.
• The strong friendship between them serves as an abutment during tough times.

noun a condition in certain reptiles where the teeth are fused to the summit of the alveolar ridge without sockets

• Acrodontism is a dental condition where teeth are attached to the top of the jawbone without sockets.
• My dentist mentioned that acrodontism may require special care to prevent tooth loss.
• I heard acrodontism can make it hard to chew properly.
• In the world of dental health, acrodontism is like having a house without a strong foundation.