adjective / noun
dental
DEN-tul/ˈdentl/
Relating to the teeth.
The dentist uses a mirror during the patient's dental exam.
Etymology
The tooth root and adjective ending give “relating to teeth.” That broad meaning also came to cover things connected with dentistry, including the care and treatment of teeth.
In context
you should clean their teeth regularly to ensure good dental health.
More examples
- She uses dental floss to clean between her teeth.
- My new job provides medical and dental.
- I schedule a dental appointment every six months.
- In English, the “th” sound in “thin” is a dental.
Forms
dental · dentals
dentist noun — A professional who treats teeth and gums.
dentistry noun — The profession of caring for teeth.
Similar words
- oral
- Refers to the whole mouth, not just the teeth.