Santa Monica Family Dentist

M

malocclusion – improper alignment of upper and lower jaw or teeth

mandible – lower jaw

mandibular canal – space within the mandible which holds the blood vessels and nerves for the lower jaw and teeth

mastication – chewing, generally of food

maxilla – upper jaw

maxillary sinus – open cavity inside the maxilla

molar – rearmost teeth, cusped, used for grinding food

mouthguard – appliance used to protect the mouth and teeth during rigorous activity, such as sports