ODONTOLITHIASIS Meaning and
Definition
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Odontolithiasis is a medical term used to describe the condition of having dental or tooth stones. It is derived from the Greek words "odonto" meaning tooth, and "lithiasis" meaning the formation or presence of stones or calculi. Dental stones, also known as dental calculi or tartar, are hard deposits that form on teeth and can occur both below and above the gumline.
Odontolithiasis occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth, is not adequately removed through regular brushing and flossing. Over time, the minerals in saliva combine with the plaque, causing it to harden and turn into dental stones. These stones can vary in size and color, ranging from a pale yellow to brownish black due to pigments present in the mouth.
When left untreated, odontolithiasis can lead to various oral health problems. Dental stones can irritate the gums, resulting in inflammation known as gingivitis. They can also provide a surface for more plaque and bacteria to accumulate, which can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, dental stones can cause bad breath and make teeth appear yellow or discolored.
The treatment for odontolithiasis typically involves professional dental cleaning, often called scaling and root planing, during which a dentist or dental hygienist scrapes away the dental stones using specialized tools. Regular oral hygiene practices, including proper brushing and flossing, are essential to prevent the recurrence of odontolithiasis and maintain good oral health.
Common Misspellings for ODONTOLITHIASIS
- idontolithiasis
- kdontolithiasis
- ldontolithiasis
- pdontolithiasis
- 0dontolithiasis
- 9dontolithiasis
- osontolithiasis
- oxontolithiasis
- ocontolithiasis
- ofontolithiasis
- orontolithiasis
- oeontolithiasis
- odintolithiasis
- odkntolithiasis
- odlntolithiasis
- odpntolithiasis
- od0ntolithiasis
- od9ntolithiasis
- odobtolithiasis
- odomtolithiasis
Etymology of ODONTOLITHIASIS
The term "odontolithiasis" is derived from Greek roots.
- "Odonto" comes from the Greek word "odontos", which means tooth.
- "Lithia" derives from the Greek word "lithos", meaning stone.
- The suffix "-iasis" indicates the condition or process of formation.
Therefore, "odontolithiasis" refers to the condition or process of stone formation in the teeth, specifically the presence of dental calculi or tartar.
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