How Do You Spell ODONTOLITH?

Pronunciation: [ˈə͡ʊdəntˌɒlɪθ] (IPA)

Odontolith is a dental calculus that accumulates on the teeth. It is pronounced as /ɒdənˈtɒlɪθ/ or "oh-dən-tuh-lith". The IPA phonetic transcription explains the correct pronunciation of the word in detail. The "o" is pronounced as "ah," the "d" is a voiced dental consonant, "ə" sounds like "uh," "n" is a voiced alveolar nasal consonant, "t" is an unvoiced dental consonant, "ɒ" is pronounced like "aw," "l" is a voiced alveolar lateral consonant, "ɪ" sounds like "ih," and "θ" is a voiceless dental fricative.

ODONTOLITH Meaning and Definition

1. An odontolith is a concretion or a small calculus composed mainly of calcium phosphate, that forms and accumulates around the teeth or gum tissues. It usually develops as a result of dental plaque or tartar buildup, which consists of bacteria, food particles, and mineral salts. Over time, these substances can harden and solidify, forming odontoliths.

   These small formations typically occur in areas that are difficult to access with regular tooth brushing or flossing, such as the gum line or between teeth. They can have various sizes, ranging from tiny particles to larger masses, and may exhibit a yellowish or brownish coloration. Odontoliths are commonly associated with dental conditions such as periodontal disease or gingivitis, as they foster an environment suitable for bacterial growth and inflammation.

   The presence of odontoliths can lead to several oral health problems. As they accumulate, they can contribute to the development of dental caries, bad breath, or gum infections. They may also irritate the gums and cause swelling, tenderness, or bleeding. Removal of odontoliths is typically performed by dental professionals through procedures like scaling and root planing, which involve the careful scraping and cleaning of the teeth and gums.

   Keeping proper oral hygiene habits, such as regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings, is crucial in preventing the formation of odontoliths and maintaining optimal oral health.

2. The tartar of the teeth.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for ODONTOLITH

• idontolith
• kdontolith
• ldontolith
• pdontolith
• 0dontolith
• 9dontolith
• osontolith
• oxontolith
• ocontolith
• ofontolith
• orontolith
• oeontolith
• odintolith
• odkntolith
• odlntolith
• odpntolith
• od0ntolith
• od9ntolith
• odobtolith
• odomtolith

Etymology of ODONTOLITH

The word odontolith is derived from two Greek roots: odonto- meaning tooth and -lith meaning stone. Thus, the compound word odontolith can be understood to mean tooth stone or stone formed around a tooth.