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Glossary of Oral Health Terms
American Academy of Periodontology (AAP): A 7,900-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants.
Antibiotic: A drug used to kill bacteria.
ARESTIN® (minocycline HCl) 1 mg Microspheres: An FDA-approved drug that is used in scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures for reduction of pocket depth in patients with adult periodontitis. ARESTIN® may be used as part of a periodontal maintenance program that includes good oral hygiene, and SRP.
Bacteria: Small living organisms, or microorganisms, that live in the bodies of animals, humans, and plants. Some types of bacteria cause disease.
Calculus (tartar): Hardened dental plaque on teeth, that is usually rough, hard, and porous.
Gingivitis: The first stage of periodontal diseases. The gums usually become red and swollen, and they bleed easily. This is brought on by the bacteria in dental plaque if it is not removed on a daily basis.
Hygiene: The science concerned with preventing illness and maintaining health.
Infection: A dangerous event in which bacteria colonize (or completely take over) an area, such as an area of the human body.
Locally Administered Antibiotic (LAA): An antibiotic that is administered to a confined or definite place or part to help fight infection.
Microspheres: Spherical shells that are filled with a drug for release as the shell is dissolved.
Minerals: Components or "parts" that are chemical elements or compounds.
Minocycline: A broad-spectrum, tetracycline antibiotic.
Oral: Of or having to do with the mouth.
Periodontal diseases: Bacterial infections involving bone loss around the teeth.
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Periodontal maintenance: A series of simple measures performed by a dental professional that helps limit the effects and further development of periodontal disease. Some components of periodontal maintenance include soft tissue examination, plaque removal, and polishing of the teeth.
Periodontal pockets: Toxins in plaque destroy the gum and connective tissues beneath the teeth, forming a pocket (space). As the disease progresses toward the bone, the pocket fills with plaque and infection. If not treated, the bone and connective tissue surrounding the tooth may become so severely damaged that the tooth will fall out or need to be extracted.
Periodontal sites: The areas around the tooth where deep pockets have formed.
Plaque: Soft deposits of bacteria and debris that collect on teeth.
Pocket depth: The size (depth) of a periodontal pocket, usually measured in millimeters.
Probe: An instrument like a ruler that the dental professional uses to measure pocket depth. A probe measures in millimeters.
Prophylaxis: A standard dental cleaning of the teeth that helps maintain good oral hygiene and prevents the development of infection.
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