Dentistry · Oral & Dental · Medium

Cheilitis

Meaning: Inflammation of the lips, often causing cracking, dryness and soreness, especially at the corners.

In practice: Angular cheilitis at the corners of her mouth was linked to ill-fitting dentures.

Word parts

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Two questions on related dentistry words.

Which word means: The hard tissue layer beneath tooth enamel forming the bulk of the tooth.

Which word means: Roof of the mouth, separating the oral cavity from the nasal cavity, with hard and soft parts.

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.