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GLOSSARY

Enamel -
The outer layer of teeth. It is the only part of the tooth that we can see.

Cells -
The building blocks of life. They can usually only be seen with a microscope.

Plaque -
A thin, sticky substance that forms on your teeth. The bacteria that causes tooth decay lives under the plaque.

Orthodontist -
A type of dentist who work to correct malocclusion. Some the tools they might use are braces and retainers.

Specialize -
To hold an occupation in which you limit your work to a particular area. (Ex. A brain-surgeon specializes in surgery of the brain.

Compensate -
To balance an event. For example, if one's home is destroyed by a storm, insurance compensates some for that loss.

Nauseated -
To feel sick or dizzy. Symptoms also may include headache or stomachache.

Keratin -
The hard substance in the nails and hair. It is so hard that a rope made of keratin would lift a small car without breaking!

Sebum -
Oils produced natually in your scalp to give hair its natural shine.

Nail File -
Usually looks like a popsicle stick covered with rough sand paper. Rub it along the edges of the nails to smooth them.

Prescribed -
A medicine that must be prescribed is one that can only be given with a doctor's permission.

Cuticle -
The hardened portion of the skin that surrounds the nail where it meets the skin.

Melanin -
The substance produced naturally that gives skin its color. Freckels are larger spots of melanin.

Glands -
A part of your body the produces certain substances or enzymes. Enzymes are used to control certain processes (like growth). Glands also produce subnstances from sweat to saliva.

Fat Cells -
The cells in your body that store energy for use later.

Goose Bumps -
Nickname for hair sticking up. This pulls air around the hair creating a thin sheet of air. This has the same effect as a fluffy blanket (although on a smaller scale); air trapped in a blanket heats the body.

Evaporation -
A liquid turning into a gas. (Example: water on a wet shirt will dry as the water evaporates and becomes invisble water vapor in the air.)

Pores -
Microscopic holes in the skin from which the body releases certain substances (like sweat).

Virus -
The smalles form of life on earth. Viruses often cause illnesses like chicken pox, the flu, or colds.

Infection -
When germs attack the body, an infection usually is created. They can also spread and worsen. Pinkeye is a type of infection.

Blister -
A mark on your skin filled with some fluid. It can spread if scratched.