Oral Health Vocabulary

noun a type of breath characterized by an unpleasant odor

adjective describing the quality of the breath as unpleasant

• Poor oral hygiene can lead to bad breath, also known as halitosis.
• Make sure to brush your teeth regularly to avoid bad breath.
• Dude, your breath is kicking! You have some serious bad breath going on.
• Her lies were like bad breath, impossible to ignore and leaving a lingering unpleasantness in the air.

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.

noun a soft, strong thread used for cleaning the spaces between the teeth

verb to clean between the teeth with dental floss

• Dentists recommend using dental floss to clean between your teeth.
• Don't forget to floss before you go to bed.
• I always carry floss in my bag in case I need it.
• She used her charm as a social floss to smooth over any awkward situations.

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 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.

adjective A descriptive word that modifies a noun by describing its qualities or characteristics. In this case, 'spongy' describes something that is soft, porous, and able to absorb liquid.

• The spongy texture of the bread indicated that it was not baked properly.
• I don't like the spongy feeling of wet socks.
• Her hair felt spongy after using that new conditioner.
• His argument was spongy, lacking any solid evidence.

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 strong liking for sweet foods or desserts

• She has a penchant for sugary treats due to her sweet tooth.
• I can't resist indulging my sweet tooth with some chocolate cake.
• I've got a major sweet tooth for anything with caramel in it.
• His love for desserts is so strong, it's like he has a sweet tooth for life itself.