tophus
9.9
A hard layer that forms on teeth and gums from old plaque
- noun
- /ˈtɒfəs/
- Archaic
:
tártaro
- The dentist discovered a large tophus on her lower molar during the examination.
Examples
-
Regular brushing helps prevent the formation of tophus and other dental problems.
-
After years of neglect, a noticeable tophus had developed along his gum line.
-
Look at that tophus!
-
The tophus on my gum is painful.
-
After years of neglect, a noticeable tophus had developed along his gum line.
-
Regular brushing helps prevent the formation of tophus and other dental problems.
-
The dentist discovered a large tophus on her lower molar during the examination.
Synonyms
4
5.7
A hard yellow layer on teeth and gums that can cause gum disease
emphasizes mineral calcareous formation rather than colour or harm
1
8.8
A hard yellow or white layer on teeth and gums
is described by its calcareous, mineral nature rather than the general label
How Hardened
tophus
- Archaic
dental plaque
1
3.0
- Specialized
1
3.0
Surface Forms
Etymology
Tophus comes from an old Greek word tophos that means 'stone' or 'lump'. That's why a tophus can also mean a hard, stone-like deposit on the teeth or gums, similar to dental 'tartar'.