Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth.
Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth.
Malory Hopkins
Probably, each of us remembers his visits to the dentist ( dentist). Many are enrolled to make an appointment) when a toothache ( toothache) is already making itself felt. The doctor examines to check up) our teeth ( teeth) and gum ( gums), and then prescribes the appropriate treatment ( treatment). But what to do if a toothache overtook you on a business trip or on vacation abroad? How to explain your symptoms to the dentist in English ( symptoms)? The materials in this article will help you cope with difficulties in a similar situation.
Let's study some dialogues between a patient and a dentist and look at some useful vocabulary from the video.
Dialogues at the dentist's office in English
Dialogue #1
Useful words from the dialogue:
- a bad toothache- severe toothache
- a sweet tooth- sweet tooth;
- set of cavities- several holes in the teeth;
- gap- a gap, a gap between teeth;
- prone to- prone to
- oral hygiene– hygiene oral cavity;
- to fix- cure;
- composite filling- Composite filling.
Dialogue #2
Useful words from the dialogue:
- stains- stains, plaque;
- to remove- delete;
- scaling and polishing– cleaning of tartar and plaque;
- sitting- procedure;
- painful- painful.
Dialogue #3
Useful words from the dialogue:
- chipped tooth- chipped tooth;
- a crown- crown;
- anesthesia- painkiller.
Dialogue #4
Useful words from the dialogue:
- front teeth- anterior teeth
- on both sides- at both sides;
- Veneers– veneers (protective coating for the surface of the tooth);
- to last- serve;
- dental plan coverage- Dental insurance.
As you can see from the dialogues, there are a number of phrases that are simply necessary for communication in the dentist's office. Let's take a closer look at them together. The first are the expressions that the doctor uses in communicating with the patient. It is important to understand them correctly and then use them in speech.
| Phrase | Translation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| To have concerns | Have problems, complaints | The dentist asked me if I had any concerns.
The dentist asked if I had any complaints. |
| To lean back and open the mouth wide | Lean back and open your mouth wide | During the dental check-up you need to lean back and open the mouth wide.
When examining at the dentist, you need to lean back and open your mouth wide. |
| To give an x-ray | Make an x-ray | The dentist gave my tooth an x-ray and proposed root canal treatment.
The dentist took an x-ray of my tooth and suggested root canal treatment. |
| To extract the tooth | Remove/pull out a tooth | Dr Peterson had to extract his decayed tooth.
Dr. Peterson had to extract/pull out his rotten tooth. |
| To have a bit of decay | Have some caries | If you have a bit of decay, you don't feel any pain.
If you have a small caries, you do not feel pain. |
When communicating in English with a dentist, the patient needs to use the following expressions in order for the dentist to correctly diagnose and apply effective methods of treatment.
| Phrase | Translation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| To make an appointment | Make an appointment (to the dentist) | Jessica made an appointment with her dental hygienist last week.
Jessica made an appointment with her dental hygienist last week. |
| To have a clean and polish | Clean up plaque and tartar | My sister has a clean and polish twice a year, because it prevents tooth diseases.
My sister cleans plaque and tartar twice a year because it prevents dental disease. |
| To floss teeth | Use dental floss | Even if I floss teeth regularly, I get plaque.
Even if I floss regularly, I get plaque. |
| Bleeding gums | Bleeding gums | Every time I have bleeding gums, I come to see the dentist.
Every time my gums bleed, I visit the dentist. |
| To be painful | to be painful | Jack said that pulling out the molars was really painful.
Jack said that removing the molars was really painful. |
And now let's look at a few more groups of words in English that are sure to come in handy in the doctor's office and when discussing dental hygiene products with him.
- dental light– dental lamp.
- dental mirror- dental mirror
- dental explorer- dental probe.
- X-ray machine- X-ray machine.
- dental chair- dentist chair.
- Tooth polisher- polishing tool.
Means for maintaining oral hygiene in English
- manual toothbrush- Toothbrush.
- electric toothbrush- Electric Toothbrush.
- dental floss- dental floss.
- toothpaste- toothpaste.
- Mouthwash / fluoride rinse- Mouthwash.
Idioms
There are a large number of idioms in the English language ( idioms), which make speech bright and expressive. Memorize the idioms related to our topic and feel free to use them in communication.
- To be armed to the teeth- armed to the teeth.
The criminals were armed to the teeth when they took hostages at the bank. – Criminals were armed to the teeth when they took hostages at the bank.
- To lie through one's teeth- to lie blatantly.
She was lying through her teeth telling that she hadn't taken the money. - She blatantly lied saying she didn't take the money.
- To show one's teeth- show teeth, show character; get angry.
My neighbor used to be very kind, but he showed his teeth when I turned up the music too loud. My neighbor was very kind, but he angry (showed character) when I turned the music up too loud.
- Teething problems- initial problems.
Be ready to have some teething problems if you decide to start your own business. - Be prepared for initial problems if you decide to start your own business.
- Tooth and nail Not for life, but for death.
They fought tooth and nail to get their employer to promote them. - They fought not for life, but for death to get their employer to give them a raise.
In conclusion, we suggest you download a document that contains all the words and expressions on the topic, as well as take a short lexical test.
(*.pdf, 206 Kb)
Test
At the dentist’s, or English at the dentist’s
Topic in English with translation on the topic My Future Profession Doctor talk about one of the most important professions. The topic can be used when talking about your future profession or if you have a doctor in the family, English topic on the profession of a doctor will help to tell about the work of your relative.
At school, we often discuss with friends what we want to become, very often students dream of such a noble and the right profession. English topic doctor profession would be useful for such discussions.
-----text-----
My Future Profession Doctor
There are many interesting professions, doctor is one of them. It is a necessary and noble profession, that is why I want to be a doctor.
To become a doctor I need to read a lot of specialized literature and to study hard, especially in biology and chemistry. This profession requires great responsibility because doctors deal with the most precious things people have - their lives and their health.
Doctors not only operate people and prescribe medicine, but they must also listen to their parents, check them up and sometimes make quick and important decisions. A doctor has to be a kind and attentive person, because if patients trust their doctor it is easier to work.
Sometimes working day continues even after a doctor comes home from the hospital. Relatives, friends or neighbors often ask for medical advice, for example how to lower the kid`s temperature.
There are different types of doctors: cardiologists, gastroenterologists, pediatricians, traumatologists and many others.
My father is a surgeon, he works in a hospital. Sometimes I visit him at the hospital and watch him working. My father tells me a lot of stories about doctors and their profession. He is a much-respected man and I am happy that I have such a good example in my family, I will do my best to become a good doctor just like my father.
-----translation-----
My future profession is a doctor
There are many interesting professions and the doctor is one of them. This is a necessary and noble profession, so I want to become a doctor.
In order to become a doctor, I have to read a lot of specialized literature and study hard, especially in chemistry and biology. This profession requires a huge responsibility because doctors deal with the most precious thing people have - their lives and health.
Doctors not only operate and prescribe medicines, they also have to listen to patients, examine them, and sometimes take quick and important decisions. The doctor should be a kind and considerate person, because if patients trust the doctor, then work is much easier.
Sometimes the working day goes on even when the doctor comes home from the hospital. Relatives, friends, or neighbors often ask for medical advice, such as how to bring down a child's fever.
There are different types of doctors: cardiologists, gastroenterologists, pediatricians, traumatologists and many others.
My father is a surgeon, he works in a hospital. Sometimes I visit him in the hospital and see how he works. Dad tells a lot of stories about doctors and their profession. He is a very respected person and I am happy that my family has such a good example.
I will do my best to be as good a doctor as my father.
Hello Miss Stewart! How are you doing? Is anything wrong with you?
Not so good, doctor. I'm having some problems with my teeth and a bad toothache as well.
Well, nothing unusual for such a sweet tooth like you. OK. Let me check.
Is it so bad, doctor?
You've got another set of cavities and a chipped tooth. Besides, you have cut your third molars or so called wisdom teeth.
Yes, I got my tooth chipped last night when eating almonds. As for the cavities… How come? I've been taking proper care of my teeth.
That's because the gaps between your teeth make you prone to frequent cavities. Remember that I always ask you to visit the dentist once every 6 months to maintain your oral hygiene. And you should brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Are the cavities really awful?
well. I'll fix them up with composite filling. And I am sure you are pretty tired of this tartar on your teeth too. I suggest you a special treatment to remove it. I can fix that with scaling and polishing.
I don't mind. How much will it cost?
The whole treatment takes 3 sittings, 45 minutes each. Each sitting will cost you 50 dollars.
Is the procedure painful?
Not at all. It's absolutely painless.
That's great! Can I make an appointment for the first sitting then?
sure. You can do it at the reception later. well. Let me put a crown over your chipped tooth.
Will it be painful?
It could be a bit painful. We can use anaesthesia to numb your mouth if you want.
That's OK. I hope I can bear a little pain.
OK then. Let's get started.
Translation
Hello Miss Stuart! How are you? Something happened?
Not very well, doctor. I have problems with my teeth and, besides, severe toothache.
Well, nothing out of the ordinary for a sweet tooth like you. OK. Let's get a look.
It's very bad, isn't it, doctor?
You again have several cavities in your teeth and a chipped tooth. In addition, your third molars, or so-called wisdom teeth, have erupted.
Yes, I chipped my tooth last night while eating almonds. As for the cavities in the teeth ... How so? I take good care of my teeth.
This is because the gaps between your teeth make you prone to frequent cavities. Remember, I told you to visit the dentist every 6 months to keep your mouth clean. And you need to brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Are cavities really awful?
Well, we'll supply you with composite fillings. And I am sure that you are also very tired of this plaque on your teeth. I suggest you a special treatment for its removal. I will do this by scaling and polishing.
I don't mind. How much is it?
The whole treatment consists of 3 sessions, 45 minutes each. Each session costs $50.
Is the procedure painful?
Not at all. She is absolutely painless.
Great! Then can I make an appointment for the first appointment?
Of course. You can do this later at the registration desk. Well. Let's put a crown on your chipped tooth.
Will it hurt?
Perhaps a little. We can give you anesthesia to numb your mouth, if you like.
a dentist
The dentist studied dentistry for 6 years at the university. This dentist studied dentistry at university for 6 years.
the dentist's surgery - dentist's office
The dentist's surgery is open late on Friday. The dentist's office is open late on Fridays.
a dental nurse - dental assistant
The dental nurse supports the dentist in all aspects of patient care. The dental assistant assists him in everything related to patient care.
the orthodontist - orthodontist
The orthodontist fits braces. The orthodontist sets the brackets.
the molars - molars
The molars are the most complicated kind of tooth in most mammals. The molars are the most complex view teeth of most mammals.
a wisdom tooth - wisdom tooth
Wisdom teeth usually emerge from the gum between the ages of 17 and 24. Wisdom teeth usually begin to appear between the ages of 17 and 24.
the incisors - incisors
The function of incisors is for shearing or cutting food. The function of the incisors is to tear or cut food.
the canine teeth - fangs
The canine teeth are often the largest teeth in a mammal's mouth. The largest teeth in most mammals are canines.
the premolars - small molars
Premolars are used for chewing. Small molars are designed for chewing.
the gum - gum
Gum problems are very common in young people. Teenagers often have gum problems.
the check-up - inspection
It is recommended to have a dental check-up every six months. It is advised to go for a preventive examination to the dentist once every six months.
the tooth sensitivity
People suffer from tooth sensitivity from drinking or eating cold things.
People suffer from increased tooth sensitivity when drinking cold drinks or food.
the tooth decay - caries
She had bad tooth decay because she ate sweets every day. She had many teeth damaged by caries because she ate sweets every day.
the toothache - toothache
I had a bad toothache so I made an appointment with the dentist. I had a really bad toothache, so I made an appointment with the dentist.
the cavity - hole
Neglected cavities can lead to tooth and gum infections. Running holes can lead to inflammation of the teeth and gums.
the filling
When getting a filling it is essential to remove the decay first. Before you put a seal, you need to remove caries.
the gingivitis - gingivitis
Gingivitis causes inflammation and bleeding of the gums. Gingivitis causes inflammation and bleeding of the gums.
the root canal - root canal
The root canal is the inside of a tooth. The root canal is inside the tooth.
the dentures - denture
Dentures are prosthetic devices made to replace missing teeth. Dentures replace missing teeth.
the crown - crown
A crown can be placed on a tooth to improve the appearance of the tooth.
A crown can be placed on the tooth to make it look more aesthetic.
the implants
An implant is an artificial tooth placed into your jaw.
An implant is an artificial tooth placed in the jaw.
the dental x-ray - x-ray
A dental x-ray helps the dentist to see problems with the teeth, mouth, and jaws. X-ray of teeth allows the dentist to determine dental diseases, diseases of the oral cavity and jaws.
the injection - injection
The injection helps to numb the area the dentist is working on.
an injection helps to anesthetize the place that the dentist treats.
the drill - drill
The drill is used to clean cavities from decay before the filling. The drill is used to clean holes from caries before fillings are placed.
the extracting forceps - tongs
The extracting forces are used to extract teeth. Forceps are used to remove teeth.
the oral hygiene - oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential for preventing tartar build-up.
To prevent the formation of tartar, it is necessary to monitor oral hygiene.
