Dental means relating to teeth. When you visit the dental office, you're going to see a dentist who takes care of your teeth. Dental hygiene means keeping your teeth clean and healthy by brushing, flossing, and getting regular checkups.

You'll see dental used in many contexts: dental floss is the string you use to clean between your teeth, dental X-rays are pictures that show what's happening inside your teeth and jaw, and dental insurance helps pay for tooth care.

Animals have dental features too. Scientists study the dental structure of fossils to learn what extinct animals ate. A beaver's dental equipment includes huge front teeth that never stop growing, perfect for gnawing through wood. Sharks have remarkable dental replacement systems, growing new teeth throughout their lives to replace ones that fall out.

When someone has a dental appointment, they're seeing a professional who specializes in tooth health. Good dental care now can prevent painful problems later, which is why dentists encourage regular checkups even when your teeth feel fine.