Parenthetical definition
- An informal definition/ brief explanation written within the sentence with parenthesis. Example, 70-80% of RDH (Registered Dental Hygienist) work in private dental practices.
Sentence definition
- A formal definition with a more detailed explanation of the subject compared to a parenthetical definition. Example, A knife is a tool used to cut things.
Expanded definition
- The most formal type of definition with detailed explanation. It is intended to allow for complete understanding of the subject. Example, A knife is a tool made of steel. It is used for cutting wide variety of things like vegetables, fruits, boxes, people, animals among others.
After getting a good understanding of these definitions, we were to apply these definitions to a word unique to our profession. I have chosen the word “gingivitis”. This word is relatively complex for a layperson to understand, and I spend a significant amount of time explaining this word to my patients.
Word: Gingivitis
Scenario: Ms. Jones has presented for her 6-month dental hygiene appointment with the dental hygienist. After completing the gingival assessment for Mrs. Jones, the dental hygiene diagnosis is determined to be gingivitis. As the primary oral health care provider, the dental hygienist will now explain to Ms. Jones what gingivitis is and how to treat it.
Parenthetical definition: Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums).
Sentence definition: Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by bacterial buildup on the tooth surface.
Expanded definition:
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by bacterial buildup on the tooth surface. The word Gingivitis originates from the Latin word gingivae ‘the gums” + -itis “inflammation” (Harper, 2022). The gums appear red, swollen, bleed easily and can sometimes hurt to touch. It is not the same as periodontitis which involves irreversible bone loss (Chapple et al., 2018). Inadequate toothbrushing and flossing causes bacterial buildup and leads to inflammation (Intan et al., 2020). Gingivitis can be reversed with frequent dental hygiene appointments (every 3 months) and an improved oral hygiene routine (Chapple et al., 2018). Refer to the image below to gain clarity on gingivitis and healthy gums.
Figure 1. Healthy gums vs. Gingivitis
Source: “Can Gum Disease Kill you? We’ll it can kill you!” My dental Florida, 10 April 2022, https://mydentaltampa.com/do-you-want-to-die-from-gum-disease/
References:
- Chapple, I.L.C.,Mealey, B.L., Van Dyke, T.E., Bartold, M.P., Dommisch, H., Eickholz, P., Geisinger, M.L., Genco, R.J., Glogauer, M., Goldstein, M., Griffin, T.J., Holmstrup, P., Johnson, G.K., Kapila, Y., Lang, N.P., MEyle, J., Murakamin, S., Plemons, J., Romito, G.A., Shapira, L., Tatakis, D.N., Teughels, W., Trombelli, L., Walter, C., Wimmer, G., Xenoudi, P., Yoshie, H. Periodontal health and gingival diseases and conditions on an intact and a reduced periodontium: Consensus report of workgroup 1 of the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions. J Periodontol. 2018; 89 ( Suppl): S74– S84. https://doi.org/10.1002/JPER.17-0719
- Intan Suhana, M. A., Farha, A., & Hassan, B. M. (2020). Inflammation of the Gums. Malaysian family physician: the official journal of the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia, 15(1), 71–73.
- Harper, Douglas (2022, Jan 30). Etymology. https://www.etymonline.com/word/gingivitis
- Hillyard, G. A. and Monroe Hillyard, A. (2022, Jan 30). Bleeding gums treatment. Gregory A Hillyard, DMD. https://www.drgregoryhillyard.com/dental-concerns/bleeding-gums-treatment/
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