interdental

American  

[in-ter-den-tl] / ˌɪn tərˈdɛn tl /

adjective

1. between teeth.

2. Phonetics. articulated with the tip of the tongue between the upper and lower front teeth, as the fricatives (th̸) and (th) of thy and thigh.

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interdental British  

/ ˌɪntəˈdɛntəl /

adjective

1. situated between teeth

2. phonetics (of a consonant) pronounced with the tip of the tongue lying between the upper and lower front teeth, as for the th sounds in English thin and then

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Other Word Forms

• interdentally adverb

Etymology

Origin of interdental

First recorded in 1870–75; inter- + dental

Example Sentences

Of course, no one likes flossing, but Dr Sharma says using interdental brushes, particularly rubber ones, can make it easier and less painful.

From BBC • Nov. 2, 2025

If you really dislike flossing, try and interdental brush.

From Time • Dec. 6, 2016

I don't floss but use an interdental brush once a day.

From New York Times • Aug. 29, 2016

Has anyone ever told you to use an interdental brush to get at the plaque between your teeth?

From New York Times • Aug. 29, 2016

It is extensively used also in correcting irregular positions of the teeth, and for making interdental splints in the treatment of fractures of the jaws.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 2 "Demijohn" to "Destructor" by Various