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FAQs
Glossary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
cavities: A decay
lesion or hole in a tooth, usually caused by a diet that includes
sugar, which allows bacteria to grow and secrete
acid onto the tooth enamel.
children
with special health care needs: Children who have or are at increased
risk for a chronic physical,
developmental, behavioral,
or emotional condition and who require health and related services
of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally.
dental
periodicity schedules: Schedules for well-child dental services
based on guidelines developed by recognized dental organizations.
dental
sealants: Plastic coatings applied to grooves of the teeth, especially
back teeth, to protect them from tooth decay.
Early
and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT): Medicaid's comprehensive
and preventive child health program
for infants, children,
and adolescents under age 21. (See "Medicaid.")
endodontist:
A specialist who treats injuries, diseases, and infections
of the tooth pulp (nerve tissue).
fluoride: A compound
that, when ingested or applied to the teeth, hardens the teeth
and prevents
tooth decay.
fluoride
varnish:
A professionally applied preventive fluoride treatment that is
applied to teeth to strengthen tooth
enamel and make teeth
more resistant to tooth decay. (See "tooth decay.")
gingivitis:
Gum disease.
heredity: The
transmission of qualities derived from ancestor to descendant through
the genes.
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Medicaid: A program
that pays for medical assistance for certain individuals and families
with low incomes
and resources.
non-oral
health professional: A health professional such as a physician, physician
assistant, nurse,
or nurse
practitioner who is not a
specialist in oral health.
nonporous: Cannot
be penetrated.
oral
examination:
A thorough dental history, a complete clinical oral assessment
(lips,
tongue, teeth, gums,
inside of the
cheeks, roof of the mouth, and throat),
appropriate diagnostic testing,
assessment of risk for developing oral
diseases, and establishment of a prevention
and/or treatment plan.
oral
health screening:
An inspection of the lips, tongue, teeth, gums, inside of
the
cheeks, roof
of the mouth,
and throat to
identify suspected oral disease (especially
tooth decay) or other oral conditions
(for example, delayed tooth eruption
or premature tooth loss, abscesses, or trauma).
oral
hygiene:
Care of the teeth and gums on a daily basis.
oral
surgeon:
A dentist with special training in surgery of the mouth and
jaw.
orthodontist:
A dentist who aligns and straightens teeth, primarily
by using
braces and retainers,
and who monitors
and treats
incorrect position of biting or
chewing surfaces of the upper and lower
teeth.
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periodonditis:
An oral disorder that results from progression of
gingivitis,
involving
inflammation and infection
of the ligaments and bones that
support the teeth.
periodontist:
A dentist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment
of gum disease.
permanent
teeth:
The second set of teeth (32 in number)
that
come into
the mouth
after the
loss
of the primary
(baby)
teeth. Also
commonly called "adult
teeth."
plaque: A sticky
substance that forms on
the surface
of the teeth
and harbors
bacteria
growth
and acid
formation beneath
its surface,
causing tooth decay. Plaque
buildup can also irritate
the gums and cause gum
disease.
primary
teeth:
The first set of teeth (20 in number)
that
come
into the
mouth, usually
when
an infant
is around 6
months old.
Also commonly
called "baby teeth."
Program
Information Report (PIR): The PIR is the principal source of basic information
about the operating characteristics of Head Start programs and
the services they provide. It is an extensive survey that all Early
Head Start and Head Start programs are required to complete on
an annual basis.
sliding
fee scale: A system
in which fees
are based
on a family's
or individual's
ability to pay.
State
Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP):
A state-administered
health
insurance program
for children who
are not already insured.
Each state
sets its
own guidelines for
eligibility and services.
tooth
decay: An infectious disease process of
the tooth that
destroys the tooth
structure and
produces
a cavity
(see "cavities").
tooth
enamel: A thin,
hard, glossy,
white
covering of the
tooth crown.
topical
fluoride: Fluoride that
is applied
to the teeth externally
(see "fluoride").
well-child
care: A child
health
program of
prevention,
early
intervention,
and treatment.
The frequency
of visits
coincides with key developmental
periods.
xylitol:
A low-calorie
sugar substitute
used in
certain chewing gums
and other
food
products.
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