Most people are not keen on going to the dentist. After listening to this podcast, at least you’ll be able to understand what the dentist is talking about if he or she is an English speaker.
If you are a dentist who treats native English speakers, perhaps you can explain the treatment better and put your patients more at ease.
Dentist vocabulary
tooth (singular) – teeth (plural)
to have a toothache
It’s painful, it hurts, it’s a dull ache, a sharp pain, a constant pain, it comes and goes.
to go for a check up
to have/get a tooth taken out (causative), an extraction
a filling, to have a tooth filled, to fill a cavity
braces: devices used to straighten and align teeth
plastic retainer: a removable device placed over the teeth to keep them in position, often at night
metal retainer: a (permanent) strand of metal fitted behind the teeth to keep them in position
mouthguard: a protective device for the mouth that covers the teeth and gums
What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?
crown: a cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength
to drill
an injection
numb
gums
gingivitis: inflammation of the gums
(a set of) false teeth (dentures)
an implant
a bridge: a dental appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth
root canal: used to treat infection at the center of a tooth.
wisdom teeth (Why are wisdom teeth called wisdom teeth?)
plaque: a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth.
to brush/floss your teeth
toothpick
dental hygienist: a licensed dental professional who cleans teeth and provides other
preventive dental care
toothy: having large or prominent teeth. e.g. a toothy grin
Idioms
Fight tooth and nail: to fight very fiercely or with great determination.
Get/Sink one’s teeth into something: to become deeply involved in a project or activity
Like pulling teeth: something very difficult or frustrating to do.
Bite off more than you can chew: to take on more than you can handle.
To have a sweet tooth: to have a strong liking for sweet foods, such as candy, chocolate, and desserts.
To grit your teeth: to endure pain, difficulty, or frustration with determination and without complaining. It can also mean to physically clench your teeth in anger or stress.
Discussion
Should all dental treatment be free if you pay social security?
What do you think dentists can do to make a visit more pleasurable?
…and now it’s your turn to practise your English.
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In next week’s episode: How to improve your speaking fluency with artificial intelligence.
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The music in this podcast is by Pitx. The track is called ‘See You Later’