barium swallow, an imaging test to check on the health of the esophagus using barium to coat the walls of the esophagus so that it can be examined by x-ray

Barrett’s esophagus, a disorder in which stomach acid damages the lining of the esophagus

bony orbit, eye socket

carotid artery disease, narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels in the neck that supply blood to your brain and head and which increases the risk of stroke

cranial, relating to the skull

esophageal stricture, a narrowing of the esophagus (food tube) that carries food and liquid from your mouth to your stomach

esophagitis, a condition in which the lining of the esophagus or “food tube” becomes swollen and irritated by stomach acid that flows back into it

esophagus, the “food tube” that carries food and liquid from your mouth to your stomach

gastroesophageal reflux (GER), when the end of the esophagus (food tube) does not close completely and allows acid and food in the stomach to back up into the esophagus causing pain and discomfort

halitosis, bad breath

incomplete calcification, not enough minerals and calcium for healthy tooth enamel

malocclusion, when the teeth are not aligned properly resulting in poor bite

mandible, jawbone

mantle radiation, a radiation treatment in which the neck, chest, and armpit area are exposed to radiation, this method is rarely used today

orthodontist, a dentist who specializes in correcting irregularities in the teeth or jaw

pulp chamber, space in the center of a tooth that contains nerves and blood supply

ulceration, an open sore that develops on the skin, mucous membranes, or the lining of the stomach

upper gastrointestinal series, an x-ray examination of the upper intestinal tract that includes the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine

xerostomia, a condition in which there is not enough saliva to keep the mouth wet; also known as “dry mouth”