Dental Health


At Nathan Hughes Family Dentistry, our team is prepared to answer all questions pertaining to your dental health and appearance. Oral hygiene, specifically brushing and flossing, are a vital part of your dental health. We can also answer your questions about the different dental specialties and explain the meaning of dental terms.

Select a topic to learn more.

Dental Dictionary

  • Abscess - A collection of pus; usually forms because of infection.

    Abutment - A tooth or tooth structure that is responsible for the anchorage of a bridge or a denture.

    Amalgam - A silver filling material.

    Anesthetic - An agent that causes temporary loss of sensation/feeling.

    Anterior - The front position.

    Apex - The end of the root.

    Asepsis - No micro-organism.

    Attrition - Wear of teeth due to activities such as chewing.

    Avulsed - An injury that causes a tooth to be completely knocked out of the mouth.

  • Bitewing - A kind of dental x-ray that is taken of the bite. The main function of this kind of x-ray is to detect cavities in between teeth and the height of bone support.

    Bleaching - Whitening of teeth.

    Bridge - A prosthesis that is fixed inside the mouth to replace missing teeth.

    Bruxism - Teeth grinding.

  • Canine - The third tooth from the middle of the jaw. There are four of them. They are the longest teeth in humans.

    Canker sore - An ulceration with a yellow base and red border in the mouth. It can be caused by trauma or the herpes simplex virus.

    Caries - Tooth decay.

    Cavity - A hole in the tooth.

    Cast - A model of teeth.

    Cementation - The process of "gluing" the appliance/prosthesis on the associated area.

    Chlorhexidine - An anti-microbial agent. It is available in many forms such as gels and rinses. It is an effective agent in controlling gum diseases.

    Clasp - A metal arm extended from a removable partial denture. It helps to hold onto natural tooth structure and thus provides anchorage for the denture.

    Cold sore - An ulcer or blister on the lip. A form of herpes simplex.

    Composite - White filling.

    Cross-bite - An abnormal bite relationship of the upper and lower jaw. The lower teeth/tooth align toward the check/ lip side more than the upper teeth/tooth.

    Crown (porcelain/plastic/metal) - A crown is almost like a "cap" on a tooth. It covers the tooth partially or totally above the gum to restore its function and outlook.

  • Decay - A soft substance caused by the bacterial demineralization of enamel and dentin. An infection within a tooth. Must be treated.

    Dentistry - A branch of medicine that involves diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of any disease concerning teeth, oral cavity, and associated structures.

    Dentition - The position, type, and number of teeth in the upper and lower jaw.

    Denture (Immediate/complete/partial) (overdenture, temporary) - An artificial object to replace missing teeth and their neighboring structures. There are many different types of dentures to satisfy different treatment requirements and patient preferences.

    Denturist - The person who specializes in fabricating dentures. A Denturist is not responsible for making any type of diagnosis or carrying out any other treatment (e.g. removing teeth).

    Desensitization - A procedure to reduce the sensitivity of teeth.

    Diagnosis - The process of identifying dental disease.

    Diastema - The space between two adjacent teeth.

    Distal - A direction indication in the mouth. It indicates the direction away from the middle of the jaw.

  • Edentulous - No teeth.

    Endodontics -A department of dentistry involving diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of the dental pulp (where the nerves and blood vessels are inside the tooth).

    Eruption - The process of the tooth appearing in the mouth.

    Excision - The action of cutting something off.

    Extruded - When a tooth may be pushed partially out of the socket.

  • Filling - A restoration that is placed on a tooth to restore its function and appearance.

    Flipper - A temporary denture to replace missing teeth during the waiting period for long-term treatment.

    Floss - A thread/tape that goes in between teeth for cleaning.

    Fluoride - A compound of fluorine (an element) which be put in different forms such as water, gels, and rinses to strengthen teeth.

    Fluoride Treatment - Teeth treatment with fluoride agents like gel or rinse. It helps to prevent tooth decay.

    Fracture - When a cusp of a tooth becomes weakened, a fracture may result. It is possible for the crack to extend further into the root and damage to the pulp is commonplace.

    Framework - A metal skeleton of a removable partial denture to support the false teeth and the plastic attachments.

  • Gingivitis - The mildest form of gum disease: inflammation of the gum. The earliest sign is bleeding gum.

  • Hemorrhage - Bleeding

    Hemostasis - Stop bleeding.

  • Impaction - A condition where a tooth is not able to come in normally or is stuck underneath another tooth or bone.

    Implant - A device (usually "screw-like") put in the jaw bone to support a false tooth, a denture, or a bridge.

    Impression - A mold taken by some jelly-like material loaded on a tray.

    Incisal - The cutting edge of front teeth.

    Incisor - The four upper and lower front teeth.

    Inlay - A restoration (usually gold, composite, or ceramics) fabricated in the lab that cements on a tooth like a missing puzzle piece. It helps to restore the normal function and outlook of the tooth.

    Interproximal - The space between two adjacent teeth.

  • Lingual - The side of the tooth towards the tongue.

  • Mesial - The side of the tooth towards the middle of the jaw.

    Molar - The last three upper and lower teeth on both sides of the mouth.

    Mouthguard - A device to be worn in the mouth. Depending on the design of it, it prevents injury to teeth and/or jaw during teeth grinding or sports events.

  • Nightguard - A mouthguard which is worn at night time.

  • Occlusal - The biting surface of the back teeth.

    Occlusion - The way how the upper and lower teeth close together.

    Onlay - A restoration covers the entire biting surface of a tooth.

    Open bite - The situation where the upper teeth are not able to contact the opposing lower teeth.

    Orthodontics - A special field in dentistry that involves diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of bite abnormalities or facial irregularities.

    Overbite - The overlap of upper teeth and lower teeth when they close together.

    Overhang - The portion of filling material that hangs beyond the border of the cavity.

  • Palate - The roof of the mouth.

    Panoramic Radiograph - An x-ray film used to obtain a wide view of the upper and lower jaw and their associated structures.

    Perforation - An opening on a tooth or other oral structure.

    Periapical - The surrounding of the bottom of the root of a tooth.

    Periodontics - A specialty of dentistry that involves diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of gum (periodontal) disease.

    Permanent teeth - Adult's teeth. The first permanent tooth usually comes in around 6 years old.

    Pin - A piece of "nail-like" metal. It usually is used for better retention of a filling.

    Polish - A process to make the tooth or filling or other denture smooth and glossy.

    Pontic - The false tooth in a bridge or denture to replace the missing tooth.

    Post - A big pin that can be made with different materials such as metal or carbon. Its function usually is to support a big buildup on a tooth.

    Posterior - Located at the back.

    Pre-authorization - An approval from the particular authority (usually an insurance company in dentistry) before any action (treatment) is carried out.

    Pre-medication - Medication needs to be taken before treatment.

    Premolar - The two teeth located in front of the molar.

    Prescription - A written statement (from a doctor to a pharmacist) regarding the type, the amount, and direction of the use of a medication for a patient. In dentistry, a prescription can also be a written statement for the preparation of an appliance from a dentist to a lab technician.

    Primary teeth - Baby teeth.

    Prophylaxis/prophy - The procedure of teeth polishing. It also means the prevention of diseases.

    Prosthesis - An artificial part to replace missing teeth and their associated structures.

    Prosthodontics - A specialty of dentistry involving diagnosis, treatment planning, and fabrication of artificial parts to replace missing teeth and their associated structures.

    Pulp - The innermost part of a tooth. It contains nerves and blood vessels inside a tooth.

    Pulpectomy - The removal of the whole pulp inside a tooth.

    Pulpotomy - The removal of the top part of the pulp inside a tooth.

  • Radiograph - An x-ray picture.

    Recall - The regular checkup and teeth cleaning appointment.

    Recementation - The process of "gluing" the appliance/prosthesis back onto the associated area.

    Restoration - An item a dentist uses to restore the normal function of a tooth or an area in the mouth. It can be a filling, a crown, a bridge, etc.

    Retainer - A device used for maintaining the position of teeth in the jaw in orthodontic treatment.

    Retreatment - The process of repeating the root canal treatment.

    Root - The bottom part of the tooth. It anchors the tooth to its supporting units.

    Root canal - The canal that runs inside the root of the tooth. It contains the nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth.

    Root canal treatment - A treatment for the root canal inside the tooth.

    Root planing - The action of cleaning the root area of teeth.

    Rubber dam - A rubber sheet that fits around teeth. It isolates the treatment area from the rest of the oral cavity.

  • Scaling - The action of cleaning teeth below the gumline.

    Sealant - A thin layer of plastic-like material that covers the grooves and pits on a tooth to prevent a cavity.

    Sedation - The use of medication to calm a patient.

    Space Maintainer - An appliance to maintain the space between teeth.

    Splint - An appliance or a material to prevent movement of a mobile part.

  • Tempromandibular Joint (TMJ) - The joint that links the two parts of the jaw.

    Torus - An outgrowth of bone. It usually develops on the roof of the mouth or around the premolar area on the lower jaw.

  • Veneer - A layer of tooth-colored material (can be porcelain, composite, or ceramics) that attaches to the front of the tooth. It is usually used to improve the appearance of the tooth.

  • Wisdom tooth - The eighth (also the last) tooth from the middle of the jaw.

  • Xerostomia - Dry mouth

Dental Specialties

  • Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dentists specializing in surgery of the mouth, face, and jaws. After four years of dental school, surgeons receive four to seven years of hospital-based surgical and medical training, preparing them to do a wide range of procedures including all types of surgery on both the bones and soft tissues of the face, mouth, and neck.

  • Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. They have had extensive training with two additional years of study after dental school. As specialists, they devote their time, energy, and skill to helping patients care for their gums. A periodontist is one of the eight dental specialists recognized by the American Dental Association.

  • Your dentist has determined that your gums require special attention. The periodontist and dentist work together as a team to provide you with the highest level of care. They will combine their experience to recommend the best treatment available to you while keeping each other informed on your progress. By referring you to the specialist, your dentist is showing a strong commitment to your dental health.

  • The Endodontist examines, diagnoses, and treats diseases and destructive processes, including injuries and abnormalities of dental pulps and periapical tissues of the teeth.

    Endodontists examine patients and interpret radiographs and pulp tests to determine pulp vitality and periapical tissue condition. They evaluate their findings and prescribe a method of treatment to prevent the loss of teeth.

  • The prosthodontist examines and diagnoses disabilities caused by loss of teeth and supporting structures. They formulate and execute treatment plans for the construction of corrective prostheses to restore proper function and esthetics of the mouth, face, and jaw.

  • A pediatric dentist has at least two additional years of training beyond dental school. The additional training focuses on the management and treatment of a child’s developing teeth, child behavior, physical growth and development, and the special needs of children’s dentistry. Although either type of dentist is capable of addressing your child’s oral health care needs, a pediatric dentist, his or her staff, and even the office décor are all geared to care for children and to put them at ease. If your child has special needs, care from a pediatric dentist should be considered.

  • An orthodontist prevents and treats mouth, teeth, and jaw problems. Using braces, retainers, and other devices, an orthodontist helps straighten a person’s teeth and correct the way the jaws line up.

    Orthodontists treat kids for many problems, including having crowded or overlapping teeth or having problems with jaw growth and tooth development. These tooth and jaw problems may be caused by tooth decay, losing baby teeth too soon, accidents, or habits like thumb sucking. These problems can also be genetic or inherited.

  • Your dentist or one of your parents might recommend it because they see a problem with your teeth or jaws. Or a kid who doesn’t like the way his or her teeth look might ask to see an orthodontist.

Pediatric Dentistry

  • The first "regular" dental visit can be scheduled as soon as the first tooth erupts. If there are complications with nursing, then you are welcome to make an appointment to come in sooner. The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. We may ask you to sit in the dental chair and hold your child during the examination. You may also be asked to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that a relationship can be built between your child and your dentist.

    We will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken (to reveal decay and check on the progress of your child’s permanent teeth under the gums). We may clean your child’s teeth. Most important of all, we will review with you how to clean and care for your child’s teeth.

    We will also:

    · Examine your child’s mouth, teeth, and gums.

    · Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking.

    · Check to see if they need fluoride.

    · Teach you about cleaning their teeth and gums.

    · Suggest a schedule for regular dental visits.

  • We are asked this question many times. We suggest you prepare your child the same way you would before their first haircut or trip to the shoe store. Your child’s reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you.

  • Take your child for a "preview" of the office.

    Read books with them about going to the dentist.

    Review with them what the dentist will be doing at the time of the first visit.

    Speak positively about your own dental experiences.

  • Tooth decay and children no longer have to go hand in hand. At our office, we are most concerned with all aspects of preventive care. We use the latest in dental sealant technology to protect your child’s teeth. Dental sealants are space-age plastics that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone back teeth. This is just one of the ways we will set the foundation for your child’s lifetime of good oral health.

  • Most of the time cavities are due to a diet high in sugary foods and a lack of brushing. Limiting sugar intake and brushing regularly, of course, can help. The longer it takes your child to chew their food and the longer the residue stays on their teeth, the greater the chances of getting cavities.

    Every time someone eats, an acid reaction occurs inside their mouth as the bacteria digests the sugars. This reaction lasts approximately 20 minutes. During this time the acid environment can destroy the tooth structure, eventually leading to cavities.

    Consistency of a person’s saliva also makes a difference; thinner saliva breaks up and washes away food more quickly. When a person eats diets high in carbohydrates and sugars they tend to have thicker saliva, which in turn allows more of the acid-producing bacteria that can cause cavities.

  • Limit frequency of meals and snacks.

    Encourage brushing, flossing, and rinsing.

    Watch what your child drinks.

    Avoid giving your child sticky foods.

    Make treats part of meals.

    Choose nutritious snacks.

  • The first baby teeth that come into the mouth are the two bottom front teeth. You will notice this when your baby is about 6-8 months old. Next to follow will be the 4 upper front teeth and the remainder of your baby’s teeth will appear periodically. They will usually appear in pairs along the sides of the jaw until the child is about 2 1/2 years old.

    At around 2 1/2 years old your child should have all 20 teeth. Between the ages of 5 and 6, the first permanent teeth will begin to erupt. Some permanent teeth replace baby teeth and some don’t. Don’t worry if some teeth are a few months early or late as all children are different.

    Baby teeth are important as they not only hold space for permanent teeth but they are important to chewing, biting, speech and appearance. For this reason, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and daily hygiene.

Oral Hygiene

  • Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases (periodontal disease) than to cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques performed daily.

    Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing, you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease.

  • If you have any pain while brushing or have any questions about how to brush properly, please be sure to call the office at 903-593-1300.

    Dr. Hughes recommends using a soft toothbrush. Position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion several times using small, gentle strokes brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth. Use light pressure while putting the bristles between the teeth, but not so much pressure that you feel any discomfort.

    When you are done cleaning the outside surfaces of all your teeth, follow the same directions while cleaning the inside of the back teeth.

    To clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth. Don’t forget to gently brush the surrounding gum tissue.

    Next, you will clean the biting surfaces of your teeth by using short, gentle strokes. Change the position of the brush as often as necessary to reach and clean all surfaces. Try to watch yourself in the mirror to make sure you clean each surface. After you are done, rinse vigorously to remove any plaque you might have loosened while brushing.

  • Periodontal disease usually appears between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing is a very effective way to remove plaque from those surfaces. However, it is important to develop the proper technique. The following instructions will help you but remember it takes time and practice.

    Start with a piece of floss (waxed is easier) about 18” long. Lightly wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand. Wrap the rest of the floss around the middle finger of the other hand.

    To clean the upper teeth, hold the floss tightly between the thumb and forefinger of each hand. Gently insert the floss tightly between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or try to snap it into place. Bring the floss to the gumline then curve it into a C-shape against one tooth. Slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel light resistance. Move the floss up and down on the side of one tooth. Remember there are two tooth surfaces that need to be cleaned in each space. Continue to floss each side of all the upper teeth. Be careful not to cut the gum tissue between the teeth. As the floss becomes soiled, turn from one finger to the other to get a fresh section.

    To clean between the bottom teeth, guide the floss using the forefingers of both hands. Do not forget the back side of the last tooth on both sides, upper and lower.

    When you are done, rinse vigorously with water to remove plaque and food particles. Do not be alarmed if during the first week of flossing your gums bleed or are a little sore. If your gums hurt while flossing you could be doing it too hard or pinching the gum. As you floss daily and remove the plaque your gums will heal and the bleeding should stop.

  • Sometimes after dental treatment, teeth are sensitive to hot and cold. This should not last long, but only if the mouth is kept clean. If the mouth is not kept clean the sensitivity will remain and could become more severe. If your teeth are especially sensitive consult with your doctor. They may recommend a medicated toothpaste or mouth rinse made especially for sensitive teeth.

  • There are so many products on the market it can become confusing and choosing between all the products can be difficult. Here are some suggestions for choosing dental care products that will work for most patients.

    Automatic and “high-tech” electronic toothbrushes are safe and effective for the majority of patients. Oral irrigators (water spraying devices) will rinse your mouth thoroughly, but will not remove plaque. You need to brush and floss in conjunction with the irrigator. We see excellent results with power toothbrushes.

    Some toothbrushes have a rubber tip on the handle, this is used to massage the gums after brushing. There are also tiny brushes (interproximal toothbrushes) that clean between your teeth. If these are used improperly you could injure the gums, so discuss proper use with your doctor.

    Fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses, if used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, can reduce tooth decay by as much as 40%. Remember, these rinses are not recommended for children under six years of age. Tartar control toothpaste will reduce tartar above the gum line, but gum disease starts below the gumline so these products have not been proven to reduce the early stage of gum disease.

    Anti-plaque rinses, approved by the American Dental Association, contain agents that may help bring early gum disease under control. Use these in conjunction with brushing and flossing.

  • Daily brushing and flossing will keep dental calculus to a minimum, but a professional cleaning will remove calculus in places your toothbrush and floss have missed. Your visit to our office is an important part of your program to prevent gum disease. Keep your teeth for your lifetime.

Prophylaxis (teeth cleaning)

Prophylaxis can be performed at our office. We recommend that prophylaxis be performed twice annually as a preventative measure, but should be completed every 3-4 months for periodontitis sufferers. It should be noted that gum disease cannot be completely reversed, but prophylaxis is one of the tools Dr. Hughes can use to effectively halt its progression.

A dental prophylaxis is a cleaning treatment performed to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. Prophylaxis is an important dental treatment for stopping the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Prophylaxis is an effective procedure for keeping the oral cavity in proper health and halting the progression of gum disease. The benefits include:

  • Plaque removal. Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can result in serious periodontal problems. Unfortunately, even with a proper home brushing and flossing routine, it can be impossible to remove all debris, bacteria, and deposits from gum pockets. The experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist using specialized dental equipment is necessary to catch potentially damaging buildup.

  • A healthier-looking smile. Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the esthetics of a smile. Prophylaxis is an effective treatment in ridding the teeth of these unsightly stains.

  • Fresher breath. Bad breath (or halitosis) is generally indicative of advancing periodontal disease. A combination of rotting food particles (possibly below the gum line) and potential gangrene stemming from gum infection, results in bad breath. The routine removal of plaque, calculus, and bacteria at our facility can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection

Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. There are numerous disease entities requiring different treatment approaches. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Daily brushing and flossing will prevent most periodontal conditions.

  • Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases, (periodontal disease) than to cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques performed daily.

    Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing, you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease.

    Periodontal diseases can be accelerated by a number of different factors. However, it is mainly caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque, a sticky colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar).

  • Smoking

    Diabetes

    Stress

    Clenching and grinding teeth

    Medication

    Poor nutrition

  • Bacteria found in plaque produce toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell, and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss.

  • The best way to prevent gum disease is effective daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.

Periodontal disease is a serious infection under your gumline.

ARESTIN® (minocycline hydrochloride) is an antibiotic that kills the bacteria that causes the infection.

  • It’s placed directly in the infected areas—or “pockets”—in your gums.

  • It’s applied right after scaling and root planing, the dental procedure that disrupts stubborn plaque and bacteria below your gum line—where brushing and flossing can’t reach.

ARESTIN®

ARESTIN® starts working quickly, right at the source of infection and keeps fighting bacteria long after you leave the dental office.¹ ²

ARESTIN® fights infection and inflammation for 30 days ², and provides significantly better results than scaling and root planing alone for up to 90 days.³

1. Oringer RJ, Al-Shammari KF, Aldredge WA, et al. Effect of locally administered minocycline microspheres on markers of bone resorption. J Periodontol 2002;73:835-842.2. Goodson JM, Gunsollwy JC, Grossi SG, et al. Minocycline HCl microspheres reduce red-complex bacteria in periodontal disease therapy. J Periodontol 2007;78(8):1568-1579.3. Williams RC, Paquette DW, Offenbacher S, et al. Treatment of periodontitis by local administration of minocycline microspheres: a controlled trial. J Periodontol 2001;72:1535-1544.