Live Free / Speak Free

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Vocabulary

Phrases & IdiomsMonologue

Dialogues

Listening Fun & Facts

plaque (noun): a substance that builds up around teeth that can damage them- Brushing with toothpaste can help remove plaque.

cavity (noun): tooth decay- If you take care of your teeth, you can reduce the risk of having cavities.

wisdom tooth (noun): the last of your back teeth to come in- The dentist removed one of my wisdom teeth because it was bothering me.

decay (noun, also verb): the gradual process of the tooth going bad, sometimes caused by poor dental care and eating habits- If the decay in the tooth is not removed, it could lead to a serious problem.

filling (noun): a substance inserted into a tooth to repair a cavity- I need to get one of my fillings replaced because it came out yesterday.

extensive (adjective): large in extent, range, or scope- Researchers have conducted extensive studies on the causes and prevention of tooth decay.

crown (noun): a metal covering over the enamel-covered part of a tooth- The dentist suggested putting a crown on the tooth since the cavity would have been too difficult to repair with a filling.

extract (verb): remove- The dentist extracted the decayed tooth without a problem.

dull (verb, also adjective): numb or make insensitive, deaden feeling- I was shocked that the dentist didn't give me anything to dull the pain.

local anesthetic (noun): a drug used to dull the body`s senses from pain in a specific area- The dentist used a local anesthetic on the patient before she extracted the tooth.

nitrous oxide (noun): a gas inhaled as an anesthetic in dentistry and surgery- Sometimes, dentists use nitrous oxide on patients when more extensive dental work is required or to help patients relax during certain procedures.

discomfort (noun): pain or an uncomfortable feeling associated with a part of the body- I went to the dentist because I felt a great deal of discomfort in one of my teeth.

alloy (noun): a mixture of two or more metals- Different alloy fillings may be used to fill cavities, depending on the severity and location of the cavity, as well as the patient's preference.

porcelain (noun): made of semitransparent ceramic- Porcelain fillings may be used to fill cavities, depending on the severity and location of the cavity, as well as the patient's preference.

to clean someone's teeth

dental hygienist

to fill cavities

gums

disease free

oral health

to lead to

plaque

to remove plaque

to floss

check-up

to rinse

fluoride

to apply fluoride

flavor

flossing

floss tape

floss after meals

1. These go on the teeth to straighten them:

2. A person who clean your teeth before the dentist sees you:

3. Material that goes in your tooth if you have a cavity:

4. If a piece of your tooth has broken off you have a:

5. A small hole in the tooth:

6. To bring your teeth together by closing the jaw tightly:

7. When the dentist takes out a bad tooth it is called:

8. The teeth in the way back part of your mouth:

9. The wearing down of teeth that happens over time:

10. A piece of slippery string used to clean in between the teeth:

A. Cavity B. dental floss C. filling D. braces E. tooth decay F. dental hygienist G. to grind your teeth H. chipped tooth I. to get a tooth pulled J. wisdom teeth

D

F

C

H

A

G

I

J

E

B

Answers

Phrases.

Exercise.

Idioms.

I gotta bad toothache.

But, I’ve been taking good care of my teeth.

Are the cavities really bad?

I’m actually tired of these stains on my teeth. Could you suggest any treatment that could remove them permanently?

How much will it cost?

Phrases

Will it be painful?

I got my tooth chipped last night.

I can bear a little pain.

I have these gaps in between my front teeth. Is there any way I can get them covered?

I’ll check my dental plan coverage first and let you know.

brush your teeth

family dental plan

fill a cavity

get a dental cleaning

get fillings put in

have a dental checkup

have a dental exam

have an x-ray

have braces

have dental insurance

have your wisdom teeth pulled

remove tartar buildup

set up a dental appointment

sit in the waiting room

talk with an orthodontist

talk with the dental assistant

use dental floss

use tooth whitening

use toothpaste

visit the dentist

wears braces

Idioms

It just unnerves meWhen something unnerves you, it makes you feel nervous or discouraged.The stern look on his face unnerved me.

Terrifying ordealA terrifying ordeal is a difficult or painful experience that tests a person’s endurance.

Be a chickenUsed to refer to a person who is easily scared.

Now, complete the sentences below with the best answer:

1. You should _________________ at least once a day to remove food between your teeth.

A. get fillings put in B. fill a cavity C. use dental floss

2. My sister now __________________ to straighten her teeth. She'll look great once she gets them off.

A. uses tooth whitening B. wears braces C. has a dental exam

3. I'd like to __________________ for next Monday at 3:00 p.m. if the dentist is in at that time.

A. sit in the waiting room B. set up a dental appointmentC. have a family dental plan

Exercise:

1. C. use dental floss2. B. wears braces3. B. set up a dental appointment

Check Answers:

Short Dialogues

Long Dialogues

Getting Veneers.

Short Dialogues

Terrible Toothache.

Having a Bad Toothache.

Getting Your Teeth Cleaned.

Chipped Tooth.

Storyline: James has a terrible toothache but he is afraid of going to the dentist.

James: Oh! This tooth is killing me.

Ann: Why don’t you see a dentist? You may have a cavity.

James: I can’t see anything, but this pain – it just doesn’t go away.

Ann: That’s why I told you that you should see a dentist. Only a qualified dentist can tell you what is wrong with your tooth.

James: I know but I don’t want to go to the dentist. It just unnerves me.

Ann: You are such a chicken. It can’t be that bad.

James: It is. I had one of my teeth pulled out a few years ago and it was such a terrifying ordeal. I don’t want to go through that again.

Ann: If that is the case, then you will need to learn to deal with this pain.

Having a Bad Toothache

Fred: Hello, Jodie. How are you doing?

Jodie: Not good, doc! I’m having a bad toothache.

Fred: Hmmm..Let me check...

Jodie: Is it something bad?

Fred: Well, nothing unusual for a sweet tooth like you! You’ve got another set of cavities.

Jodie: Ouch. But, I’ve been taking good care of my teeth.

Fred: The gaps you have between your teeth make you prone to frequent cavities. This is the reason I keep on asking you to visit the dentist once every 6 months to maintain your oral hygiene.

Jodie: Yes, I know you’re right. Are the cavities really bad?

Fred: Not that bad. We’ll fix them up with composite filling.

Getting Your Teeth Cleaned.

Sam: Hi, how are you?

Welson: I’m good. I’m actually tired of these stains on my teeth. Could you suggest any treatment that could remove them permanently?

Sam: Well, we can fix that with scaling and polishing.

Welson: How much will it cost?

Sam: The whole process will take 3-4 sittings of 45 minutes each. Each sitting will cost you $50.

Welson: Will it be painful?

Sam: No. Not at all! You won’t even know what’s going on.

Welson: Can I get an appointment for the first sitting?

Sam: Sure. You can come tomorrow morning at 11.

Welson: Okay, thanks.

Chipped Tooth.

Sam: Hi Susan. How are you?

Susan: Not good, doc. I got my tooth chipped last night.

Sam: How did that happen?

Susan: I slipped off the stairs last night.

Sam: Sounds bad. C’mon, show me your chipped tooth. Ouch!...That’s really bad.

Susan: Can you fix it?

Sam: Well, we’ll have to put a crown over the chipped tooth.

Susan: Will that be painful?

Sam: Yes, it can be a little painful. But, if you want, I can use anaesthesia.

Susan: No, that’s okay. I can bear a little pain.

Getting Veneers.

Welson: I have these gaps in between my front teeth. Is there any way I can get them covered?

Sam: Yes. We can use composite material to fix them up. But, I see you have pretty big gaps on both sides. I suggest veneers.

Welson: How much would it cost?

Sam: Veneers would cost you around $250 per tooth.

Welson: That’s pretty expensive! And how long would it last?

Sam: Veneers can last up to 7 years if taken care of properly.

Welson: That’s pretty good. Alright. I’ll check my dental plan coverage first and let you know.

Long Dialogues

Dialogue 1

Dialogue 2

Dialogue 3

Long DialoguesSam: Hello.

Gina the Dental Hygienist: Hello Mr. Waters. I'm Gina. I'll be cleaning your teeth today.

Sam: Dr. Peterson has just filled two cavities. Why do I need a cleaning?Gina the Dental Hygienist: Well, we have to make get your teeth and gums clean and disease free.

Sam: I guess that makes sense.Gina the Dental Hygienist: Oral health leads to trouble-free teeth. I'll start off by removing plaque. Please lean back and open wide.

Sam: OK, I hope it's not too bad.Gina the Dental Hygienist: Everybody gets plaque, even if they floss regularly. That's why it's important to come in twice a year for check-ups.

Sam: (getting his teeth cleaned, can't say much...)Gina the Dental Hygienist: OK, please take a drink and rinse.

Sam: Ah, that's better.Gina the Dental Hygienist: OK, now I'll apply some fluoride. Which flavor would you like?

Sam: I have a choice?Gina the Dental Hygienist: Sure, we have mint, spearmint, orange or bubble-gum - that's for the kids.

Sam: I'd like to have the bubble-gum!Gina the Dental Hygienist: OK. (applies fluoride) Now, let me give your teeth a final flossing.

Sam: What type of floss tape do you recommend?Gina the Dental Hygienist: Personally, I like the flat tape. It's easier to get between the teeth.

Sam: OK, I'll remember that the next time I buy floss. How often should I floss?Gina the Dental Hygienist: Everyday! Twice a day if possible! Some people like to floss after every meal, but that's not absolutely necessary.

Sam: (after finishing the cleaning) I feel much better. Thank you.Gina the Dental Hygienist: My pleasure. Have a pleasant day, and remember to floss every day - at least once a day!

Dentist: Hello Mr. Smithers. It is good to have you back. We haven’t seen you in a while. How are the teeth? Do you have any concerns?

Patient: No. I am just here for a cleaning with your dental hygienist. I guess you will check out my mouth after that.

Dentist: That’s right sir. I will take a quick glance at your teeth once she is done. This visit should go a lot better for you than last year’s visit. I believe we had to pull one of your molars and put in a few fillings. Hopefully you have been taking better care of your teeth this year.

Patient: Yes, I am. Last year’s visit was painful, even with the Novocain you gave me. It isn’t fun getting a tooth pulled. The sound of the tooth coming out still gives me nightmares.

Dentist: Well, at least that ordeal inspired you to take better care of your teeth. Have you been using the dental floss that my receptionist gave you.

Patient:Yes. I floss every night before going to bed. I do have one problem that I forgot to mention. When I wake up in the morning my teeth and jaw hurt. Do you know what that could be?

Dentist: Sounds to me like you are grinding your teeth at night. You will have to buy a night guard to protect your teeth.

Patient:Let me guess. You sell them here. How convenient… I noticed your new BMW in the parking lot. With all of the money I paid you last year I guess you can afford it.

Dentist: Very funny. Tooth decay is normal for people your age. It is worth it to spend the money and get your teeth cleaned and looked at.

Patient:OK doctor. Just don’t tell me my teeth are crooked and that I will need braces. I won’t fall for that one.

Dentist:No. I won’t try that on you. I am a nice dentist!

Patient: Whatever you say…

Patient: Hi. Dr. Hyde?Dentist: So, what's seems to be the problem today?Patient: Well, I just came in for a check up and a dental cleaning.Dentist: Hum. Open up. Let's take a look . . .Patient: Okay. Uh . . .Dentist: Hummmm. [Humm? Uh?] Wow! I've never seen one like THIS before. Let me try this.Patient: Uhhh . . . Ouhhhh [Man screaming in pain . . .]Dentist: Well, besides a lot of plaque buildup, there is a major cavity in one of your wisdom teeth. [I feel that.] Hasn't this given you any trouble?Patient: Well, the tooth has been bothering me, and it sometimes hurts when I drink something cold. Does it look that bad?Dentist: Well, we're going to remove the decay, and then we'll either put a filling in, or if the decay is extensive, we can't repair it, we might have to put a crown on your tooth. Or as a last resort, we may have to extract the tooth.Patient: Uh, well, that sounds painful!Dentist: Don't worry. I've done this . . . once before. [Huh?] Nah, just relax.Patient: Wait! Aren't you suppose to give me something to dull the pain?Dentist: Uh, chicken. Oh yeah. I almost forgot. We can either use a local anesthetic or nitrous oxide . . . laughing gas. . . to minimize the discomfort you might feel. Or you can just grin and bear it.Patient: Nah, Nah, nah! Put me under! [I thought so.] I can't stand pain, and I'd rather not be aware of what's going on. And, if I need a filling, can I get one that looks like my other teeth?Dentist: If we can save the tooth with a filling, I recommend a high-strength silver alloy filling instead of a porcelain one. It'll probably last longer.Patient: Okay, well whatever. Let's get it over with.Dentist: Okay, pleasant dreams. Drill please.

Monologue

Actual Transcription:After every meal, I am in the practice of brushing my teeth. I use a toothpaste recommended by my dentist, and I make sure to floss to remove any food between my teeth. I am also using a special kit for tooth whitening, something that is becoming more popular now. I visit my dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and checkup, and fortunately, my health insurance covers the cost. For most people, if you take care of your teeth, you won't get any cavities.

Reduced Speech:After every meal, I'm in thə practice əf brushing my teeth. I use ətoothpasterecommended by my dentist, ən' I make sure tə floss təremove any food bətween my teeth. I'm also using ə special kit fər tooth whitening, something that's bəcomingmore popular now. I visit my dentist every six months fər ə dental cleaning ən' checkup, ən'fortunately, my health insurance covers thə cost. Fər most people, if yətake care əf your teeth, yə won't get any cavities.

Visiting the dentist

Complete the conversations below with the best answer:

1. You have toothache. You need to go to the dentist. You don't know a good dentist so you ask your friend Sarah:__________

Do you have toothache?

Can you recommend a dentist for me?

Where can I go to talk about a dentist?

Would you like to tell me about your dentist?

2. You need to phone the dentist to book an appointment. You call the dental surgery and say to the receptionist:__________

Hello. I have toothache. Can you help me?

Hi. I need to see the dentist right now.

I want a dentist. What time can we meet?

Hello. I'd like to make an appointment to see the dentist, please.

3. The receptionist tells you that the dentist is free tomorrow at 4pm, but you are busy at this time. You say to the receptionist:__________

I'm sorry but I'm busy then. Could we make an appointment for a different time?

No. I will not see the dentist then. Another time.

That's no good for me, I don't need anybody.

I can't do it then. Can I see the dentist in the future?

4. You have arranged an appointment with the dentist for Saturday. You don't drive so you need to ask Sarah if she'll take you. You say to Sarah:__________

Drive me to the dentist on Saturday.

Would you be able to give me a lift on Saturday?

I can't drive. Please can you drive with me?

Would you have a car for us both on Saturday?

5. Sarah arrives on Saturday morning to take you to the dentist. She asks you how your tooth is. You say to Sarah:__________

The tooth hurt me. I want a new one.

I don't want to talk to you.

It's getting worse. I'm in a lot of pain.

It hurts me very much. I don't like teeth.

6. You arrive at the dental surgery. The receptionist greets you and asks:__________

Do you have an appointment?

What time is it?

Do you know where the dentist is?

Where do you want to go today?

7. The nurse calls your name. You walk into the dentist's room and the dentist says to you:__________

Good morning. What's you favourite type of pizza?

You have toothache and a very big mouth.

Hi. Have you got a tooth for me?

Hello! What seems to be the problem?

8. The dentist tells you that you need a filling, and asks if you want it done today. You say to the dentist: __________

Yes please. The sooner the better!

Yes. It'll be the right thing to do.

I think I do. How about you?

Yes. I want to eat candy and ice cream this evening.

9. You have your filling and the dentist has finished seeing to you. You leave the dental surgery and call Sarah. You want Sarah to pick you up, so you say:___________

Where are you? I want to go back now. Thank you.

I want to go home. Bring me your car.

I'm finished. Could you take me home now, please?

Thank you for the lift. Would you be able to do it?

10. You arrive back at home. Sarah drops you off outside your house. You say to Sarah:__________

You gave me a lift. I will thank you in the future!

Thank you for the dentist. I had a fantastic time!

You are wonderful. So call me maybe.

Thank you so much for the lift. I really appreciate it!

Interesting Facts in Easy English

A Dentist Invented “Cotton Candy”

Pre-Listening Vocabulary

elite: wealthy or famous members of society

confectioner: a person who makes candy and other sweets

debut: first public appearance

patent: to license an invention so that others can’t copy its exact name or design

A Dentist Invented “Cotton Candy”

Sugar was once an expensive treat enjoyed only by the elite. In the 1400s, confectioners in Italy began with sugar. They heated it in a pot and spun it on a . Then they dried out the sugar strings to decorate cakes, pastries, and fruit for wealthy lords and ladies. Spinning sugar was a very time-consuming process. In 1897, American candy makers William Morrison and John C. Wharton invented the first machine for spinning sugar. Their machine heated sugar in a spinning bowl that had special holes in it. These American candy makers called their treat “fairy floss”. Fairy floss made its big debut at the St. Louis World Fair in 1904, where it sold for 25 cents a box. This was a very treat, but the candy makers still sold over 60,000 boxes. In the 1970s, a Louisiana dentist named Joseph Lascaux invented and patented a more advanced device for spinning sugar. He tested the sticky treat out on his patients, and changed the name to “cotton candy”.

Listen and type in the missing word(s) and then check your answers.

experimentingforkelectricmachine-madeexpensive

Check Answers:

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