Glossary

a lesion in the cervical area of ​​the tooth that usually occurs when portions of enamel and dentin are lost over time due to traumatic forces related to parafunctions, such as grinding and clenching.

a traumatic lesion of mechanical origin that can affect the tooth or gum, usually due to improper use of the toothbrush or due to improper habits.

collection of pus localized in the tissues surrounding the roots of the teeth. The cause of its occurrence is due to bacterial infections originating from the tooth (e.g. caries) or from the gum tissues.

acronym for Anti Discoloration System. ADS it is a system patented by the company Curasept S.p.a which allows the use of chlorhexidine (the most widely used antiseptic in dentistry), avoiding its most common side effects, namely tooth pigmentation. This system is indeed capable of inhibiting the two main chemical reactions that cause pigmentation, without reducing effectiveness.

an active ingredient that can be found in oral hygiene products such as toothpastes, mouthwashes, gels or sprays. The antiseptic is able to counteract the accumulation of bacteria inside the oral cavity. Chlorhexidine is the most effective antiseptic in dentistry, as it has anti-plaque and inflammation-preventing properties; however, chlorhexidine must be used only under the guidance of a professional and in the correct situations and ways.

a condition in which mouth ulcers are present inside the oral cavity. Aphtha is a benign stomatitis (a disease of the oral mucosa) that manifests itself as a painful, circular ulcer. Its condition usually does not exceed 15 days and heals spontaneously. Dedicated therapies are designed to speed up healing and resolve symptoms. Lesions may appear singly or in groups on non-keratinized mucous membranes, such as the inside of the lips and cheeks, or the underside of the tongue. Discover more on mouth ulcers.

it refers to the complex organization of microorganisms that inhabit the oral cavity, characterized by the presence of a salivary film that promotes their adhesion and layering. Within the Biofilm, microorganisms are organized in order to increase their survival, through complex reciprocal relationships.

a disorder affecting the gums that manifests itself with the loss of blood from them. It can appear during oral hygiene procedures or even spontaneously. Although gum bleeding can be caused by the trauma of overly aggressive brushing or certain types of irritation, in most cases it is the main sign of gum inflammation caused by the buildup of bacterial plaque and/or tartar.

is an involuntary activity in which one clenches or grinds one\’s teeth and is part of the parafunctions, or non-physiological activities for the mouth. It can lead to wear and tear of tooth surfaces, tooth fractures and stress on joint and muscle structures. It is usually a nighttime activity, but it can also be daytime, as in the case of clenching.

molecule that can be contained in toothpastes, mouthwashes, gels or sprays with disinfectant activity; it is the most used antiseptic in dentistry thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and inhibition of bacterial proliferation. It must be used correctly and for limited periods to avoid some side effects and maximize its effectiveness.

a surgical procedure in which the deep portions of gum tissue affected by the inflammation characteristic of periodontitis (commonly known as \’pyorrhea\’) are removed; curettage is usually performed using manual mechanical instruments.

commonly called “milk teeth”, these are the teeth that generally appear between the 6th and 30th month of life. They are destined to exfoliate and be replaced by permanent teeth starting at around 6 years of age. Under normal conditions, there are a total of 20, and they appear bright white and small in size.

process affecting the tooth enamel in which the mineral substances that compose it are lost. It can be caused by various factors such as dental caries, chemical erosion processes or mechanical abrasives.

it is the part of the tooth visible outside the oral cavity, covered under normal conditions by enamel. If the crown is destroyed by caries or trauma, it can be replaced with a prosthetic crown (commonly called a “cap”).

a lesion that can affect the hard structures of the tooth (enamel and dentin) of a chemical nature, caused by prolonged and significant exposure of the teeth to acidic substances from the diet (e.g. lemon, vinegar), or by frequent episodes of vomiting or gastroesophageal reflux.

an important home oral hygiene tool capable of mechanically removing bacterial plaque and food residue from the interdental spaces. It is a thin filament made of plastic or nylon fibres that is used by gently passing it between teeth before or after each brushing session.

is a chronic inflammation that affects the apex of the tooth root. It usually does not cause symptoms, although it can go through acute phases characterized by pain, swollen gums and sometimes abscesses. The causes can be related to untreated caries or periodontitis, or more often to adverse outcomes following root canal treatment. The granuloma can grow in size and weaken the immune system; therefore, it is important to treat the affected tooth with a new root canal treatment, although in more extreme cases, extraction may be necessary. Usually its diagnosis is made through a panoramic or intraoral x-ray.

a healthcare professional holding a degree who is dedicated to the prevention of oral diseases. They can practice both in private and public sectors by providing therapies that include preventive treatments (professional oral hygiene, sealant application, strategies for controlling caries and periodontal disease risks), aesthetic treatments (whitening) and non-surgical therapies for gum diseases.

medical surgical device used to rehabilitate one or more missing teeth from both a functional (chewing, phonation) and aesthetic point of view. It consists of a titanium screw (also called a fixture) that is inserted into the bone with subsequent integration into it (osseointegration); the components include the post that is connected to the screw (abutment) and the crown (the tooth) that is either screwed or cemented on.

branch of dentistry that deals with the rehabilitation of missing teeth through insertion of implants. (see “implants”)

a condition characterized by sharp pain in the teeth in response to certain stimuli, such as cold, sweetness and touch. The main cause is due to the exposure of the dentin: this tissue can be exposed due to phenomena that consumes the enamel that covers it, such as abrasion (due, for example, to aggressive/incorrect brushing, or traumatic events), or erosion (for example, due to acidic foods eaten too frequently or gastric problems such as reflux); finally, the dentin can be exposed and cause tooth sensitivity also due to gingival recessions.

it is a yellowish tissue surrounded by enamel on the outer part of the tooth and by cementum at the level of the roots; it also surrounds the dental pulp on the inside. Dentin is composed of a smaller percentage of inorganic substances than enamel and is therefore more vulnerable to the damage of caries; it is also the tissue responsible for the phenomenon of \”sensitive teeth\”, in which thermal (e.g. cold), chemical (e.g. sweet) or tactile stimuli can cause reactions in the tubules that form the dentin, causing sharp pain.

a dental therapy called “conservative”, used to restore a tooth damaged by caries. The process of filling a cavity is preceded by the dentist removing the portion of the tooth damaged by caries. In almost all cases, fillings are made using materials known as composite resins, which are white in colour.

an important trace element for the health of bones and teeth where it is primarily found. Fluoride is considered the cornerstone substance for the prevention of caries, thanks to its antibacterial properties and its ability to counteract the phenomenon of enamel demineralization that leads to caries lesions. It is found in toothpastes, mouthwashes, gels and creams for use at home. Systemic fluoride supplementation with drops and tablets is not recommended by the guidelines, except in specific cases.

refers to the movement of the gum away from its normal anatomical position (i.e. beyond the enamel-cement line). The gum can recede due to mechanical causes, such as trauma or inflammation.

inflammation of bacterial origin that affects the most marginal portions of the gum, caused by the accumulation of plaque. It manifests itself with bleeding gums, possible swelling and pain and can appear in one or more areas of the mouth. It is a reversible condition and can be treated with professional oral hygiene sessions and proper at-home dental care. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis in susceptible individuals.

a term that refers to a state of inflammation affecting the tongue, characterized by burning and swelling and/or numbness. It can be a manifestation of various conditions that may specifically affect the oral cavity (e.g. continuous trauma to the tongue caused by chipped teeth, dry mouth or burns), or the body (celiac disease, anemia, deficiencies, viruses, bacterial infections, etc.).

branch of dentistry that deals with conditions affecting the structures responsible for chewing, such as the masticatory muscles and the temporomandibular joint. Some examples of these disorders are bruxism, difficulty opening the mouth or facial pain.

The dedicated professional is the gnathologist dentist, who often collaborates with other professionals such as the orthopaedist, the physiotherapist, the osteopath and the posturologist.

refers to the presence of one or more supernumerary teeth, or when there are excess dental elements. Hyperdontia can be single (just one extra tooth) or multiple. The supernumerary teeth can be correctly formed or may exhibit shape and structural anomalies. Hyperdontia can affect both the deciduous (milk) dentition and the permanent dentition. The causes can be genetic, environmental or attributable to some rarer syndromes.

qualitative defect that affects the enamel of the teeth in its maturation phases. Teeth that are hypomineralized are affected by spots that range from chalky white to yellowish to dark brown. The causes are not yet fully known, but it is very important to preserve the enamel with remineralizing treatments, periodic dental check-ups, thorough oral hygiene and, when necessary, tooth reconstructive therapies.

tool for cleaning interdental spaces. The interdental brush is composed of a handle, more or less long, and a working portion made of a core from which the extended filaments have the purpose of removing plaque and food residues between one tooth and another, through the insertion and movement of the interdental brush itself in the interdental spaces.

a type of orthodontic device that serves as an alternative to fixed braces: transparent, removable aligners designed to correct tooth crowding and malocclusions.

refers to the forward protrusion (advancement) of the mandible in relation to the upper jawbone. It is a condition usually accompanied by malocclusion (incorrect bite) and misalignment of the teeth. Treatment involves the orthodontist and, sometimes, the maxillofacial specialist.

refers to all those techniques that mechanically remove bacterial plaque, such as brushing the surfaces of the teeth and the use of interdental instruments such as floss and interdental brushes.

is the population of microorganisms that inhabit a specific district, such as the intestine (intestinal microbiota) or even the oral cavity (oral microbiota). It can be composed of different species: from bacteria, to viruses, to fungi, which live together in dynamic equilibrium. A healthy microbiota preserves the health of the area in which it is located, also influencing its immune response.

benign stomatitis (a disease of the oral mucosa) which manifests itself as a painful, circular ulcer. Its condition usually does not exceed 15 days and heals spontaneously. Dedicated therapies are designed to speed up healing and resolve symptoms. Lesions may appear singly or in groups on non-keratinized mucous membranes, such as the inside of the lips and cheeks, or the underside of the tongue.

a product that supports mechanical oral hygiene (i.e., toothbrush, floss/interdental brush). It is a liquid solution that may contain oral disinfectants and/or substances beneficial for the enamel, such as fluoride. It is used by rinsing, usually without dilution with water.

also called “pyorrhoea”, is a chronic disease that affects the tissues supporting the teeth. It is caused by the inflammatory response of individuals affected by certain specific bacteria found in plaque and tartar. Periodontitis can begin to appear as early as age 40 and, if not treated properly, can lead to tooth loss. Although it can often be asymptomatic, the most common symptoms are: bleeding gums, loose teeth, bad breath, sensation of increased spaces between the teeth and swollen gums.

bacterial plaque, or “dental” or “biofilm”, is a complex agglomerate of microorganisms that is deposited on oral surfaces starting from a film of glycoproteins, called “acquired pellicle”. If not properly removed during the day with mechanical oral hygiene tools (toothbrush/floss/interdental brush), plaque will tend to accumulate over the hours and will contain bacterial species that are increasingly dangerous for the health of teeth and gums.

these are products derived from the metabolism of bacteria that have regulatory, beneficial and anti-inflammatory properties for bacterial flora, such as the oral flora. They are taken in the form of food supplements for certain cycles.

these are organic, non-digestible substances that can selectively stimulate the growth or functionality of microorganisms that are beneficial to a specific flora and promote the well-being of the area in which that flora is found. They are taken in the form of food supplements for certain cycles. They are particularly indicated in situations of dysbiosis of the bacterial flora (i.e. conditions of imbalance) or to maintain its health.

microorganisms capable of performing beneficial functions and positively influencing the body\’s flora (e.g. intestine, oral cavity). They are taken in the form of food supplements for certain cycles. They are particularly indicated in situations of dysbiosis of the bacterial flora (i.e. conditions of imbalance) or to maintain health.

is a common way of calling periodontitis. “Pyorrhoea” is a chronic disease that affects the tissues that support the teeth. It is caused by the individual inflammatory response to certain bacteria contained in plaque and tartar. Pyorrhoea can begin to appear as early as age 40 and, if not treated properly, can lead to tooth loss. Although it can often be asymptomatic, the most common symptoms are: bleeding gums, loose teeth, bad breath, sensation of increased spaces between the teeth and swollen gums.

type of dental malocclusion in which the lower arch is positioned further forward than normal, bypassing the upper arch. It may be more or less evident on an aesthetic level and may also lead to chewing dysfunction.

also called “root canal treatment”, is a dental procedure in which the dentist removes the dental pulp from the tooth because it is irreparably damaged, usually due to very extensive caries or trauma. After the pulp has been removed, the canals in which it was located are disinfected and then sealed with a filling material to avoid bacterial contamination. The tooth thus “devitalized” can be kept, although it will be more fragile than a vital tooth.

inflammation affecting the oral mucosa, such as the cheeks, tongue, palate, inside of the lips and floor of the mouth. Stomatitis usually manifests itself with pain, burning and swelling of the affected site, sometimes making normal feeding difficult. The causes can be different depending on the type of stomatitis (viral, irritant, autoimmune, deficiency-related, traumatic, etc.)

a deposit of mineralized bacterial plaque. It forms following the failure to remove, with normal home oral hygiene techniques, dental plaque that calcifies through the action of calcium and phosphate salts present in saliva; it can become pigmented, appearing more or less dark in colour, through the intake of certain foods or with smoking. The only way to remove tartar is to undergo a professional oral hygiene session, in order to avoid inflammation that can undermine the health of teeth and gums.

a dental procedure performed during professional dental hygiene sessions in which deposits of tartar and bacterial plaque are removed from the dental and gingival surfaces using mechanical instruments (usually ultrasonic or manual)

main tool used for oral hygiene. The toothbrush is intended to remove food residues and, above all, bacterial plaque from the surfaces of the teeth (with the exception of the interdental surfaces). It can be manual or electric. It is composed of a handle and a head, the part responsible for brushing the teeth; the head is made up of many filaments that can have different textures, depending on the type of toothbrush. The ideal daily toothbrush is the most ergonomic one, equipped with a small head and medium-soft filaments.

it is a chemical product that supports daily oral hygiene, used together with a toothbrush; it can have a fluid or paste-like viscosity and generally has a pleasant taste to freshen breath. Toothpaste helps with brushing by bringing beneficial substances into the oral fluids, such as fluoride, disinfectant agents and protectors for the health of teeth and gums.

bright white spot located in areas where there is a depletion of the hard tissues of the tooth. It can be the manifestation of caries or of defects that can affect the enamel, such as fluorosis, imperfect amelogenesis or MIH (Molar Incisor Hypomineralization).

cosmetic dental procedure designed to make natural teeth whiter; whitening can be performed in different ways: at the dentist\’s clinic in one or more sessions, or at home, using customized aligners for a set period of time. The active whitening ingredient is based on hydrogen peroxide.

is a polyol extracted from birch used as a sweetener. Xylitol is able to sweeten like sucrose (normal sugar), but with a reduced capacity to increase blood sugar, and also boasts a certain anti-caries power, as it has antibacterial properties against the organisms that cause it. It can be found as a sweetener or contained in chewing gum and oral hygiene products.