Technical terms about prevention and oral hygiene beginning with M

MIH – Molar incisor hypomineralisation, colloquially chalky teeth. Cream-coloured to brown areas on permanent molars and incisors whose enamel is softer than normal. They are sensitive and prone to caries. Enamel Fluoride Hypersensitivity

Primary dentition – The first twenty teeth. They are smaller and the enamel is thinner – caries advances there faster than in the permanent dentition. Nursing bottle caries

Mucositis – Peri-implant mucositis: inflammation of the gums around an implant, without bone loss. It recedes completely if it is recognised and treated – unlike peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis Gingivitis

Oral health plan – Written plan that people with a care level receive from the dental practice: how the mouth is to be cared for, with which aids, and who takes on which step. It is expressly addressed to carers as well. Oral hygiene

Oral hygiene – Everything that happens at home: brushing, interdental care, tongue cleaning. It decides how much is left to do at the practice. Professional tooth cleaning

Mouthwash – An addition, not a replacement. A rinse reaches the surface of the biofilm, not its core. Biofilm Chlorhexidine

Dry mouth – Too little saliva – often as a side effect of medication. The risk of caries rises markedly as a result. Saliva Xerostomia