Words We Use
A short list of words that come up in our articles, explained as simply as we can. For how a term applies to you personally, ask your own practitioner.
- Aligner
- A clear, removable plastic tray that gradually moves teeth, used as an alternative to traditional braces in some cases.
- Bone graft
- Material placed where bone is missing so the body can rebuild it, often to support a dental implant.
- Box breathing
- A breathing pattern with four equal steps: in, hold, out, hold.
- Dehydration
- When the body has less fluid than it needs. Early signs include thirst, dark urine and tiredness.
- Enamel
- The hard outer layer of a tooth. Acid from food, drink and bacteria can soften it temporarily.
- Ergonomics
- Arranging a workspace so it fits the person using it — chair, screen and keyboard positions, for example.
- Implant
- A small post placed in the jawbone to hold a replacement tooth, bridge or denture.
- Mindfulness
- Paying deliberate, calm attention to the present moment, often using the breath as a focus.
- Nicotine strength
- How much nicotine an e-liquid or pod contains. Lower strengths contain less.
- Orthodontist
- A dentist who has completed further training in straightening teeth and correcting how the jaws meet.
- Pod system
- A vaping device with a rechargeable battery and replaceable pods of e-liquid.
- Saliva
- The fluid in your mouth that helps digestion and protects teeth by neutralising acid.
- Talking therapy
- Any treatment that works mainly through conversation with a trained practitioner.