EverydayIntermediate
Seeing the dentist for toothache in English
What to say when you have a toothache and ask if it’s a cavity.
Full script
Lin
I have a toothache. It hurts when I eat sweets.
Them
Okay, open wide. Which side is it?
Lin
Bottom left. Is it a cavity?
Them
Yes, a small one. You'll need a filling.
Lin
Will it hurt? Be honest.
Them
Just a little. I'll numb it first.
Lin
Okay. And I'll cut down on sugar.
Them
Everyone says that. See you in six months.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Dentist
✓ I have a toothache.Say you have tooth pain.
toothache = tooth pain; headache = head pain
Dentist
✓ Is it a cavity?Ask if it is a cavity.
cavity = hole in a tooth; filling = repair
Save this
✓ Will it hurt?Ask about pain.
numb = make it not feel pain
A promise
✓ I'll cut down on sugar.Say you will eat less sugar.
cut down on = use or eat less
Quick answers
Dentist: what to say in English
Say “I have a toothache.” — say you have tooth pain. toothache = tooth pain; headache = head pain.
Dentist: what to say in English
Say “Is it a cavity?” — ask if it is a cavity. cavity = hole in a tooth; filling = repair.
Save this: what to say in English
Say “Will it hurt?” — ask about pain. numb = make it not feel pain.
A promise: what to say in English
Say “I'll cut down on sugar.” — say you will eat less sugar. cut down on = use or eat less.