Dental Terminology

Here are some common terms used by your dentist and hygienist.

Plaque: A soft deposit on the teeth consisting of bacteria and bacteria products. The presence of plaque is the primary cause of gingivitis.

Gingivitis: An inflammation of the gums characterized by changes in colour (usually redness), swelling and bleeding. This can also be recognized as an early sign of gum disease.

Pregnancy gingivitis: Gingivitis that appears during and after a pregnancy. Pregnancy itself does not cause this condition but rather the altered tissue metabolism caused by hormonal changes which accelerates the gum's response to plaque.

Periodontal Disease: A destructive disease affecting the supporting structures of the teeth i.e. soft tissues (gums) and bony support of the teeth.

Sulcus: The space between the tooth and the gums. The depth of a healthy sulcus is between 1–3 mm. A diseased sulcus, over time, can turn into a periodontal pocket.

Peridontal pocket: A diseased deepening of the sulcus. If the disease causing bacteria is not removed, it can affect the attachment of the gum to the tooth. When the attachment area around the tooth is affected and the measurement of the sulcus exceeds 4 mm it is then diagnosed as a periodontal pocket. If untreatable this can cause the loosening and eventual loss of the affected tooth or teeth.

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