| A | B |
|---|
| antibacterial mouth rinse | liquid used to rinse the oral cavity to reduce or supress bacteria |
| cariogenic | substances or microorganisms that promote dental caries |
| demineralization | action that removes mineral from the tooth, usually caused by acids |
| dental caries | a disease process whereby bacteria in plaque metabolize carbohydrates |
| desensitizing agent | a chemical that seals open dentinal tubules to reduce sensitivity to air, sweets, and temperature |
| erosion | loss of tooth mineral caused by dietary or gastric acids |
| fluorapatite | tooth mineral that results when fluoride is incorporated into the tooth |
| fluoride | naturally occurring mineral that helps protect tooth structure from dental caries |
| fluorosis | enamel condition caused by consumption of excessive levels of fluoride |
| over-the-counter | available in retail or drug stores without a doctor's prescription |
| prevention/preventive aids | chemicals, devices, or procedures that reduce or eliminate disease or tooth destruction in the oral cavity |
| remineralization | process that replaces mineral lost from the tooth by an acid attack |
| sealant | a protective resin that is bonded to enamel to protect pits and fissures from dental caries |
| substantivity | property of a mineral that has a prolonged therapeutic effect after its initial use |
