tartar: common term for dental calculus, a hard deposit that adheres to teeth; produces rough surface that attracts plaque.
teething: baby teeth pushing through the gums.
temporomandibular disorder (TMD)/temporomandibular joint (TMJ): the term given to a problem that concerns the muscles and joint that connect the lower jaw with the skull. The condition is characterized by facial pain and restricted ability to open or move the jaw. It is often accompanied by a clicking or popping sound when the jaw is opened or closed.
thrush: an infection in the mouth caused by the fungus Candida.
tooth whitening: a chemical or laser process to lighten the color of teeth.
topical anesthetic: ointment that produces mild anesthesia when applied to a soft tissue surface.
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): a therapy that uses low-level electrical currents to provide pain relief. In dentistry, TENS is one type of therapy that can be used to relax the jaw joint and facial muscles.
transplant: placing a natural tooth in the empty socket of another tooth.
trauma: injury caused by external force, chemical, temperature extremes, or poor tooth alignment.
trigger-point injections: a method of relieving pain whereby pain medication or anesthesia is injected into tender muscles called “trigger points.” In dentistry, this can be used in individuals with temporomandibular disorders.
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