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10 Dental Terms And Vocabulary

Dental terms and vocabulary

When you visit the dentist, you may have heard those in the office use words like enamel, maxillary, or other dental vocabulary. Knowing more about your teeth and dental definitions can help us overcome some fear of going to the dentist. Here are some common dental terms and vocabulary that explain the anatomy of your teeth. Mountain View Dental thinks it is important for our patients to learn more about our oral anatomy.

1- Cusp

The cusp is the tip or the point of the tooth. Depending on the type of teeth, depends on the kind of tooth. Canine teeth have one cusp, premolars have two, and molars have four or five. 

This part of the tooth is used for the tearing and grinding of foods during chewing. 

2- Dentition

Your whole set of teeth is called your dentition. Scientists and forensics use dentition to tell what species a skull came from. They do this by looking at where the teeth are set, how many teeth are in each section, the total number of teeth in the skull, and their age. 

3- Dentin

Between the enamel and cementum is tissue called dentin. This makes up the majority of the tooth and contains tubules (small hollow sections) that allow us to feel hot, cold, acidic, and sticky on the nerves. Dentin causes sensitivity and helps to signal to our bodies what may be too hard on our teeth. 

4- Enamel

When talking about dental terms and vocabulary, this is a term you have probably heard before. Enamel is what covers the whole tooth. It is the hardest tissue in the human body and is durable. While our enamel goes through a lot, eating, drinking, and talking can cause it to wear down. The loss of enamel is irreversible, so regular dental checkups are needed to protect it and keep your teeth from decay. Enamel is also translucent or see-through. 

Dental Terms

5- Gingiva

The pink fleshy part around our teeth may be commonly known as the gums, but the technical term is gingiva. This helps hold a tissue against the tooth itself. 

6- Mandibular

The largest bone in the human skull is mandibular. It helps assist in chewing food and forms the look of our lower jawline. Not only does it help by holding our face shape and chewing food, but it is also the strongest bone in the facial skeleton. 

7- Maxillary

Like the mandibular, the maxillary is part of the jaw. The maxillary bones form the upper jaw with an irregular shape that is connected in the middle. You can look for the maxillary in the lower part of your eye sockets and the sides of the nasal cavities. The maxillary holds upper teeth in the correct place, helps to hold the weight of the skull, and controls the depth of our voice. These two dental terms and vocabulary are ones that patients often are surprised to learn.

8- Occlusal

This term is used to describe the area of a tooth where we chew our food. Mostly referred to on the larger molars. In the posterior of the mouth, these teeth play the important role of grinding down food so that our tongues can maneuver the food back into our throats for digestion. Occlusal is just the beginning.

Chewing food is something that humans do multiple times a day, which means that the occlusal sees a lot of wear and is the prime spot for cavities. 

Tooth Anatomy And Vocabulary With Mountain View Dental

9- Pulp

Inside the tooth, there are blood vessels and nerves. The pulp is a mass of connective tissue that lies underneath the dentin. Dentin and pulp work together to develop and survive inside the tooth. 

10- Quadrant

Each section of your mouth is split up and makes 4 quadrants. The first quadrant starts in the upper right side of the mouth and moves around in a clockwise direction. Each quadrant has 8 teeth that make up that section. Quadrants are used for cleaning and helping the dentist determine what quadrant they are cleaning or drilling or what teeth have cavities. Teeth also have specific numbers for this reason too.

Dental Vocabulary With Mountain View Dental

We hope that this blog was helpful and that you learned more about dental terms and vocabulary. At Mountain View Dental, we offer many dental services for our patients. Proper dental care is essential for the life of teeth, while also helping boost our confidence. We are committed to bringing a greater quality of care to our patients. Mountain View has a team of dentists and hygienists that love their job, and want to help those of all ages feel comfortable at the dentist. 


Dental cleanings help to prevent cavities and learn more about caring for all the parts of your teeth. The more you know, the better you can care for your health. Our whole staff wants to improve your dental health. Come visit our office and meet our friendly staff today.

Whether you’re looking for a toothbrush, floss, mouthwash, or even toothpaste, it’s essential to know exactly what you’re looking for. After all, how do you know you’re getting a toothbrush that isn’t too soft or floss that isn’t too stiff? Luckily, most products have a user guide in their packaging that provides information on how the product works and how to use it. That user guide can help you choose the perfect product that will improve your oral hygiene. However, don’t overlook the packaging. After you decide what kind of product you want, it’s also important to consider how the packaging is designed.

Here are our tips to get the best dental products.

Know Your Teeth And Gums

As with any professional cleaning, be sure to read the instructions, stick to the directions, and use the product as intended. More importantly, take the time to brush your teeth and gums.

Before you buy, see if your dentist or hygienist has a recommendation for a good dental hygiene product. They’ll know you can get more from your products than from a brush or floss alone. Next, make sure the product you want to use is right for your teeth and gums. They may have a recommendation for specific brands or products, but you’ll want to find something that works. The best products will work well on all types of gums and no matter what your current routine. Finally, look for design and durability. Do you like your products to be harder or softer and more or less flexible? The choice is yours.

Know Your Preferences

Certain things are known about what you need in your dental products. For example, you will want to use non-removable stains, dental dams, and dental floss for everything but the most sensitive work. On the other hand, you can get away with many of the same products without worrying about sensitivity for a lot of work and brushing.

Consider your preferences and your budget and try to find the best products to suit your needs. Also, be sure to compare prices. It can be hard to decide where to buy something – knowing when to buy an affordable brand and when to splurge can be a real struggle for many shoppers.

Know Your Dentist’s Preferences

Although dentists vary from one to another, they all seem to agree that if you want a mouthful of teeth, you need a few basic things to help out. This is why it’s important to know your dentist’s preferences so that you can make the best choice for your needs. Your dentist may have specific techniques, areas, or types of products that work best for them.

It’s essential to ask if they have specific dental products recommendations. If you’ve just moved or need to visit a dentist who’s not from your practice, you’ll need to figure out their dental care preferences. Chances are, your dentist has a set of preferred brands and products. Ideally, you’ll find one dentist who works with a wide variety of products. You might also take the time to ask why they prefer certain brands and products.

Conclusion

Selecting dental products can be a daunting task, but knowing what to look for will help you choose. Use the tips provided above to help you choose the best dental products for your needs. There are various products on the market, but some brands are loved the most by customers and others that most dental professionals love. It’s crucial to select the products that meet your needs and goals and determine if they’re even available in your area. And, keep in mind that new products come out regularly.

If you still don’t know exactly what you need to buy, take the time to have an in-person consultation with a dentist who can give you a direct prescription on how to use your dental products. Our team here at Mountain View Dental will be happy to answer all of your questions regarding dental hygiene. If you’re in the Pleasant View, Utah area, please schedule an appointment with us today.

Translucent teeth, also known as transparent teeth, indicate that an individual has enamel loss. When enamel loss occurs, the affected teeth can look see-through towards the bottom portion. This dental issue can lead to discoloration and even chips in the teeth over time.

Enamel functions as a coat that protects your teeth. But, the enamel will gradually break down due to things like certain health conditions and certain foods and drinks you consume regularly.

What Causes Translucent Teeth?

Not everyone will have translucent teeth. However, certain factors contribute to an individual developing this dental condition. Here are a few factors to consider.

  • Acidic Foods and Drinks: Regular consumption of acidic foods and drinks can speed up enamel erosion.
  • Frequent Vomiting: Vomiting frequently due to conditions such as bulimia, alcoholism, and acute conditions can erode the enamel.
  • Acid Reflux: Being exposed to stomach acid can potentially cause the erosion of enamel.

Available Treatments

If you have transparent teeth, it’s important to know that you have options. Your dentist will recommend a professional treatment depending on the severity of your enamel loss.

Here are some available treatment options.

Bonding

This is a process that involves applying a material called composite resin to the affected tooth or teeth. Bonding is a great dental treatment that treats cosmetic issues related to transparent teeth and acts as a protective layer to prevent further damage.

Crowns

If you’re someone with extremely thin, weak, or chipping transparent teeth, a crown may be the best option for you. Dental crowns provide a layer of protection and structure, as it is added to the top of your teeth.

If you’re concerned about your teeth looking as natural as possible, consider porcelain crowns if it is within your budget.

Veneers

Another option that might be available to you is veneers. Similar to crowns, veneers function as a protective layer that covers your teeth. 

This is a great option for individuals with mild to moderate tooth damage. It’s also a great way to prevent further enamel erosion. 

Home Remedies

Getting professional treatment may not be in everyone’s budget. The good news is there are a few home remedies you can try if your condition is mild.

Keep in mind that once enamel is lost, it clinically cannot be restored. However, treatments and some home remedies can prevent further damage. 

With that said, the best way to prevent enamel loss at home is by adopting better habits that may replenish minerals in your enamel. For instance, it’s critical to increase water consumption, add probiotic-rich yogurt to your diet, and drink lactose-free milk to boost calcium. In addition, consider switching to a toothpaste that contains fluoride and focuses on remineralizing the enamel.

Here at Mountain View Dental, we pride ourselves on providing a comfortable and professional environment for our patients. If you have questions about treatment options for translucent teeth or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.

Let us start by saying that there truly is no such thing as the “best flossing technique.” Everyone learns differently, and so it is hard to give advice that will work for everyone. However, many factors can be evaluated in determining the quality of your flossing. And, one of these factors is the technique you are using.

In other words, what method you are using determines the quality of your flossing. You have to learn the correct techniques to ensure that you will do a thorough cleaning and prevent any formation of bacteria or any foreign bodies in your teeth.

Why Floss?

Flossing is the process in which you use a narrow strip of plastic tape to collect and trap the food particles in between your teeth. The reason why you need to floss is to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth. Also, flossing can help remove any odd taste from your mouth. Flossing can also improve the health of your gums and help prevent tooth decay.

Types of Floss

As you learn the flossing technique, you will realize that there are two types of strips available. The first one is called soft floss, and the other is called hard floss. The first type is recommended for children, while the second type is for adults. There are also some types of floss that are made from synthetic materials. All of these different types are created for slightly different purposes.

The Best Flossing Technique

You might be wondering how to get started. Well, this is simple. It is necessary to begin by brushing your teeth twice daily. Make sure that you floss on both sides. It is also vital to have a dental floss holder at night for easy access to the floss.

Floss is made out of one of two materials: polyester or nylon. Nylon is much easier to clean than polyester. However, both can be used for removing bacteria. They also help you prevent gum disease.

Some bacteria like to hide under the crevices of your teeth. To keep them from hiding, you should floss in those areas. You should also be aware of the gums that are close to where you are flossing. Bacteria love to make their homes near or around healthy gums. So, be sure to clean under the gum line frequently.

Troubleshooting Tips

One of the biggest problems that people face with flossing techniques is the process of removing the tough outer plaque that is stuck between the teeth and the floss. This problem is called “cavity formation.” Learning the flossing technique will include the use of a specialized tool called a “cavity cleaner.” This tool will easily loosen up the tough outer plaque that is stuck between the teeth.

Remember that flossing is a daily activity. To maintain good oral hygiene, you must continue to do it daily. Practice flossing techniques regularly. There are also mouthwashes and toothpaste designed to kill any bacteria present when you do floss. The best flossing techniques will remove any bacteria that may be present on your teeth and gums. Additionally, learning the best flossing technique will save you money on dental bills. 

Are you tired of not having a beautiful smile? Contact us here at Mountain View Dental. Our team of professionals will have your smile looking great in no time. We can also answer any questions you may have on flossing.

Though just as serious and potentially fatal as other malignancies, oral cancer is sometimes overlooked. However, April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month.

As the month comes to an end, the team of experienced, professional, and compassionate oral care providers at Mountain View Dental urge current and prospective patients to take a proactive stance in raising their own and others’ awareness of this dreaded illness. 

The Prevalence of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer produces some startling statistics. The disease strikes roughly 50,000 people each year. Of those, approximately 10,000 will lose their lives. Researchers have found that this type of cancer impacts two times more men than women. That said, advancements in treatments and early diagnosis have increased five-year survival rates to 57 percent.

Risk Factors

Alcohol and Tobacco Usage 

Scientists maintain that excessive alcohol and tobacco use are the most significant risk factors. Moreover, many people use these products in combination. Research has concluded that, when performed in tandem, these habits could increase one’s chances by 15 times more than merely indulging in one or the other product. 

Age

Typically, those over 40 are at the greatest risk. Unfortunately, however, recent data has shown that incidents in younger people are appreciably increasing.

A History of Infection With HPV16

A variant of the human papillomavirus, known in medical circles as HPV16, is believed to share a strong correlation to oral cancer development. Typically, HPV16 is transmitted through sexual contact.

Overuse of Tanning Beds or Excessive Sunlight Exposure 

Spending too much time in the sun or inside tanning beds has been linked to increased incidents of lip malignancies.

Researchers also regret to inform the public that almost 25 percent of all persons diagnosed carried none of the preceding risk factors, leaving said occurrences tied to unknown origins.

Potential Symptoms

Numerous cases do not produce symptoms until the disease has progressed to moderate or later stages. However, individuals are firmly implored to consult with an oral care provider if they experience physical manifestations such as:

Sores or Lumps

These wounds typically appear on the lip, on the gums, or inside the mouth, and do not heal, can be painful, and could increase in size. 

Colored Patches

Some afflicted subjects develop discernible red or white patches appearing on the gums, cheeks, tongue, and even tonsils.

Pain

Discomfort or numbness might occur in the gums, lips, or teeth and intensify with actions like speaking or eating.

Miscellaneous Symptoms

In addition to the preceding manifestations, stricken individuals might experience a lump in their throat, unusual bleeding from the gums or lips, difficulty executing the jaw movements needed to speak and consume foods, the emergence of loose teeth or poorly fitting dentures, and voice changes.

Prevention

Unfortunately, not all incidents can be prevented. However, one crucial facet of oral cancer awareness is the importance of early detection. Identifying a malignancy as early as possible renders treatment easier and significantly increases one’s chances of making a full recovery. 

That said, early detection is a two-tiered process involving a patient and their dental care provider. Individuals are continually urged to look out for any visible or palpable changes occurring in and around their oral cavities. Should any anomalies be detected, said subjects are urged to schedule an immediate consultation with an experienced dental professional. 

In addition to keeping one’s vigilance up, dental patients are urged to maintain proper oral hygiene, quit smoking, receive routine checkups every six months, moderate alcohol intake, limit natural sunlight exposure, and avoid tanning beds.

Contacting Us

We here at Mountain View Dental pride ourselves on providing patients with a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. To learn more about us or to schedule a consultation, please visit our website or call us at  385-324-3557.

Practicing proper dental hygiene requires a lifetime commitment. Even if you’ve been told you have a nice smile, you need to stay on top of maintaining your pearly whites. Every day, patients ask about steps they can follow to keep their smiles bright and beautiful. Even if you don’t see immediate effects, realize that most dental care is all about daily habits and prevention. This involves getting the right products for you and creating healthy habits that will last. Let’s take a look at the top 5 tips for achieving better oral health.

Brush your Teeth Twice a Day for Two Minutes

Let’s start with the basics. The ADA (American Dental Association) recommends that you brush your teeth for around two minutes at least twice a day. This is to help prevent plaque from forming on your teeth. If you spend less than two minutes brushing, you simply won’t remove as much plaque. In fact, a recent study showed that simply increasing your brushing time from around 45 seconds to 2 minutes can help remove up to 26% more plaque.

When it comes to choosing the brush that’s right for your teeth, make sure to stay away from hard bristles. Try to select a toothbrush that fits your lifestyle needs as well. If you’re on the go more often, use a manual toothbrush and brush your teeth with small, circular motions across all of your teeth and gums. If you’re in one place more often, go for the electric toothbrush with a rotating brush head. Remember to switch out your brush whenever the bristles become stiff, frayed, or discolored.

Floss After you Eat

One of the most important habits to start and maintain is flossing. It’s not fun and it takes patience to master, but the rewards are definitely worth it. Basically, flossing helps keep the in-between, hard-to-reach areas of the mouth clean and debris-free! Think of floss as the fun attachments that come with your all-in-one vacuum cleaner that helps you clean baseboards, reach corners on the ceiling, and clean underneath sofas. To keep your teeth healthy and clean, floss at least twice a day or after every meal to ensure all food particles are removed.

Most people brush their teeth first and then floss afterward, but the reverse is actually the best way to go about it. If you floss your teeth first, you’re removing the harder-to-reach particles from all the crevices in the mouth. Then, when you brush your teeth, it’s easier to remove everything from the mouth, including what you just flossed out. Make sure you talk to your dentist about proper flossing methods before building an incorrect habit. If hand-held flossing isn’t working, speak to your dentist about using other methods of flossing.

Don’t Smoke

Put simply, smoking increases your risk for gum disease by over 50%. Not only does it completely ruin your oral health, but it also leads to other serious illnesses like multiple types of cancers, heart disease, and diabetes. The most common problems smoking causes to your dental health are: bad breath, tooth yellowing, increased build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth, and delayed healing after all types of oral surgeries. The more serious problems smoking causes are bone loss within the jawline, increased risk of leukoplakia and gum disease, tooth loss, and a significantly increased risk of developing oral cancer.

Since smoking is one of the most addictive habits to break, the ADA informed patients that once they stop smoking, they can see immediate restorative benefits in their oral health. For instance, smokers who reduced their smoking amount by half had immediately decreased their risk of gum disease by 50%. A separate study showed that leukoplakia had completely resolved within 6 weeks of over 96% of patients who stopped using all tobacco-related products (including smokeless). Ask your dentist immediately for resources that can help you kick your smoking habit today!

Manage your Stress

In today’s society, stress seems like another progression of life. So, the idea of ridding yourself of stress seems like a fairytale image. However, being mindful of stressful situations as they arise and practicing stress-relieving techniques can actually make a huge difference in your oral health. In short, stress can make it harder for your body to fight against infections. Gum disease is essentially an infection of your gums that causes painful bleeding gums, tooth loss, and bad breath. Stress can also cause you to develop unhealthy habits like clenching your jaw or even pick up smoking.

Some ways to help you relieve your stress include: managing your sleep schedule to get 8 hours of sleep, exercises that help you practice breathing, meditating on things that bring you peace, and shaving off any bad habits or people from your life that cause any sort of wrongful treatment to you or your mental health.

Schedule Regular Dentist Visits

Most everyone has heard that we’re supposed to visit our dentists twice a year. While this is certainly a great start to a healthy habit, this rule of thumb doesn’t count for everyone. It’s important to remember that you and your smile are unique and will require customized care. To figure out how often you should visit your dentist, you’ll need to sit down and discuss your oral health needs.

Some people who may require more visits a year include:

  • Women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Smokers
  • Diabetics
  • People with significant oral health problems like gum disease
  • People with dental needs requiring more visits (braces, dentures, and more).
  • Children

These Are Our Top 5 Tips for Achieving Better Oral Health

There are many tips and tricks to maintaining a healthy and happy smile. The most important thing to remember is that your dental hygiene is unique and requires a unique approach to preventing bad things from happening. While most tips are usually applied to all, speak with your dentist about setting up an oral health care plan that suits your needs. Schedule out the needed dentist visits, talk about what foods to eat and which products would work best for your and your smile. Remember, achieving better oral health is mostly about prevention! Act now before requiring any kind of serious treatments for necessary clean-ups.

To get started on improving your oral health, contact our professional and pleasant staff here at Mountain View Dental. If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment, give us a call today at 385-324-3557!

Dentist Office

2797 U.S. 89 #201
Pleasant View, UT 84414
Monday 8 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday 8 AM - 7 PM
Wednesday 8 AM - 7 PM
Thursday 8 AM - 7 PM
Friday 8 AM - 3 PM
Saturday 8 AM - 12 PM
Sunday Closed
Proudly accepting new patients from: Pleasant View, North Ogden, Harrisville, Farr West, Marriott-Slaterville, Ogden, Plain City, South Willard, Willard and Perry!

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