(Cavities; Dental Caries; Dental Decay)

Tooth decay – Definition

Tooth decay is the destruction of tooth material, which includes:

• Enamel — the hard outer surface of the tooth
• Dentin — the second softer layer beneath the enamel
• Pulp — the inside of the tooth containing the nerve and blood supply
• Root — the area of the tooth anchoring it in the bone

(Dental Abscess; Abscessed Tooth)

Tooth abscess – Definition

A tooth abscess is a sac of pus (infected material) in a tooth or the gums. There are two types of tooth abscesses:

• Abscess of the pulp (blood and nerve supply inside the tooth)
• Abscess between the tooth and gum

Tongue cancer – Definition

Tongue cancer is a subgroup of head and neck cancer. Cancer develops from the squamous cells of the tongue. This leads to a local tumor growth, and it later spreads.

Cancer occurs when cells in the body (in this case, tongue cells) divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, which can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor usually does not invade or spread.

(Oral Candidiasis)

Thrush – Definition

Thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth caused by an overgrowth of the yeast organism Candida albicans. Thrush usually begins on the tongue and inside of the cheeks and may spread to the palate, gums, tonsils, and throat. In severe cases, the infection may spread to the larynx (voice box), digestive tract, respiratory system, or skin.

(TMD; Temporomandibular Joint Disorder; Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction; TMJ Syndrome; TMJ Osteoarthritis)

Temporomandibular disorder – Definition

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a painful condition in the joint that opens and closes the mouth. These temporomandibular joints are the small joints in front of each ear. They attach the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. The disorder may affect the jaw joint or the muscles surrounding it.