Terms M-O

M

Malocclusion

Refers to when the teeth deviate from the normal position when biting.  Meaning your bite isn’t the ideal bite.

Mamelon

Small grooves/indentations present on the front teeth biting surface.  These indentations usually disappear with age.

Mandible

The jaw bone/lower jaw

Mesial

A direction in the mouth that refers to towards the midline

Mixed dentition

Meaning both “baby” teeth and “adult” teeth are present at the same time within the mouth.  Usually adolescents have mixed dentition.

Molar

The back 3 teeth in each side of the mouth.  These teeth are used for chewing and grinding and are also the largest teeth in the mouth.

Mouthguard

A device worn in the mouth that is used to prevent injury to the mouth/teeth during heavy physical activitiy.

Mucosa

The soft tissue inside the mouth.

N

Nightguard

A device used to protect the teeth at night.  Usually used if you grind or clench your teeth at during sleep.

O

Occlusal

The chewing surfaces of the teeth.

Occlusal radiograph

An x-ray that shows the entire upper or lower arch.

Occlusion

Refers to the way the teeth “come together” when biting

Onlay

A type of restoration that is constructed in the lab and partially covers the tooth but covers the entire top (biting) portion of the tooth.

Open bite

Refers to when the upper teeth don’t touch the lower teeth in a certain area even though the teeth are touching in other areas.

Oral pathologist

A dentist or other certified individual whom examines tissue in the mouth for signs of disesase.

Oral surgery

Any type of invasive procedure performed within the mouth i.e. extraction.

Orthodontics

A branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and correction of tooth alignment irregularities and facial deformities and their correction.

Overbite

Refers to a situation when the upper teeth extend too far over the lower teeth.

Overhang

Refers to when a filling or restoration hangs too far over the tooth.  This can serve as a harbor for bacteria and food debris.