Baby Bottle Syndrome – a condition which causes your child’s teeth to decay, also known as baby bottle tooth decay. This often occurs when children sleep with bottles filled with milk, juice, or anything containing sugar. Warning signs of baby bottle syndrome include brown spots on the gum line, and tooth sensitivity.
Back Teeth – Posterior teeth are the back teeth they consist of (Bicuspids and Molars) Learn More
Bicuspids – The first and second bicuspids; they are the fourth and fifth teeth from the center of the mouth, respectively. These back teeth are used for chewing. Learn More
Bifurcation – having two branches, or dividing into two parts.
Bilateral – meaning both sides.
Bitewing X-Ray – (radiograph) is a single X-ray that shows either the upper or lower teeth, or it will show only a specific area of the mouth. Learn More
Bleaching – a chemical process used to remove stains from the surface of your teeth and whiten the color of your smile. The core of your tooth is made of a yellow or reddish-brown substance called dentin. The dentin is covered by a whiter coating of enamel, which creates the visible surface of the tooth. Over time, tooth enamel can wear down and become stained, causing the appearance of your teeth to become dull and yellowed. Sometimes enamel becomes so thin that the yellow dentin begins to show through clearly.
Bolus – a chewed-up mass of food and saliva.
Bonding – The covering of the tooth surface to correct damaged or stained teeth. Learn More
Bone Resorption – the changes that occur in the body as a result of osteoporosis. People with this condition suffer from a number of symptoms relating to the loss of bone density, often as a result of long-term calcium deficiency.
Braces – An orthodontic appliance used to correct the bite or crowded teeth.
Braces Bands – small rubber bands that connect to small hooks on select brackets, often pulling the rubber band from one of the front teeth to a back molar. These bands are used to adjust the bite and jaw position.
Bracket – a non-removable appliance, fixed to the teeth with an invisible material. Brackets form part of braces.
Bridge – a fixed (non-removable) prosthesis that replaces missing teeth. Dental bridges consist of a series of attacked crowns (abutments and pontics).
Bruxism – the grinding of teeth. This usually occurs while asleep, or in stressful situations.
Buccal – of or pertaining to the cheek.
Buccinator Muscle – the medical term for the cheek muscle.
