Glossary
- anticipatory guidance: information given to children and families to promote health
- bacteria: microorganisms commonly referred to as “germs” capable of producing disease under the right conditions
- carbohydrates: sugars and starches found in many foods
- cavity: hollow area or hole caused by bacterial acids that attack the enamel of the tooth
- child: refers to the age range from 1 to 5 years
- debris: soft foreign matter attached loosely to the tooth
- decay: an infectious disease process of the tooth that destroys the tooth structure and produces a cavity
- dental arch: the curve of the row of teeth in each jaw
- enamel: the hard, glossy, white covering of the tooth crown
- fissure: an anatomic groove in the chewing surface of a tooth
- fluoride: a compound of fluorine with a more electropositive element or radical
- fluoride varnish: a lacquer containing 5 percent sodium fluoride that is painted on teeth and that appears to stop bacterial activity and reduce dental plaque
- fluorosis: an abnormal condition (as mottled enamel of human teeth) caused by fluorine or its compounds
- infant: refers to the age range from birth to 12 months
- infection: the state produced by the establishment of an infective agent in or on a suitable host
- parents: refers to the adult or adults repsponsible for the infant or child
- permanent teeth: the second set of teeth (32 in number) that come into the mouth after the loss of the primary teeth. Also commonly called “adult teeth”
- pit: a small indentation in the crown of the tooth
- plaque: a sticky patch of bacteria, saliva, food products, and tissue cells on the tooth that supports the growth of bacteria and bacterial acids and leads to tooth decay
- primary teeth: the first set of teeth (20 in number) that come into the moth, usually when an infant is around 6 months old
- risk assessment: a tool used to individualize health supervision and intervention
- saliva: the watery secretions of the glands of the mouth
- Streptococcus mutans: a type of bacteria found in the mouth that is primarily responsible for tooth decay
- systemic: of, relating to, or common to a system; affecting the body generally
- tooth decay: an active process of tooth destruction resulting from interactions between teeth, food, and bacteria
- topical: designed for or involving local application to or action on a bodily part
- xylitol: a low-calorie sugar substitute used in certain chewing gums and other food products
