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A dental hygienist checks a patient’s mouth for signs of periodontal, or gum, disease.

Words to Understand in This Chapter

anesthetic— a drug administered to patients to make them numb to pain. calculus— a hard, calcified deposit that forms on the teeth and contributes to their decay. fluoride— a compound applied to the teeth to prevent tooth decay. intangible— not having a physical presence that can be touched or seen. plaque— a soft, sticky deposit on teeth in which bacteria grow rapidly. sealant— a thin, protective coating that prevents tooth decay in the grooves of a person’s teeth.