ESL Podcast 767 - Taking Care of Your Teeth

toothache - a pain in one's tooth, usually because the tooth is cracked or broken or there is decay (rot) in, under, or around the tooth

Randall is taking aspirin for his toothache until he can get an appointment with his dentist.

in for - going to have or do something very soon; needing to have or do something, especially something unpleasant

Melissa is pregnant and she's in for a surprise once the baby is born! She has no idea how much work a baby can be.

dentist - a medical doctor who specializes in caring for teeth and oral (related to the mouth) health

The dentist says I should stop eating so much sugar.

last resort - the last option one would choose or select, only after no other options are available, usually because it is very expensive, unpleasant, or embarrassing

If the chemotherapy and radiation doesn't stop the cancer, the doctors will try surgery as a last resort.

drill - a machine that makes holes in something

How many oil drills operate in Texas?

checked out - examined or reviewed, especially by someone looking for problems

If that rash doesn't go away in a few days, you should probably have it checked out by a dermatologist.

appointment - a scheduled day and time when one will meet with someone for a particular purpose, especially with a doctor, attorney, advisor, or hair stylist

Do you want to schedule an appointment for your next haircut?

preventive/preventative care - actions taken to keep oneself healthy and prevent or avoid health problems

People who don't have access to preventive care often end up with major medical problems that could have been prevented.

dental cleaning - the process in which a dental hygienist (a dentist's assistant) cleans a patient's teeth very thoroughly

A dental cleaning usually takes about 40 minutes, assuming there aren't any problems with the patient's teeth.

to brush (one's) teeth - to use a small brush-like tool and toothpaste to rub the surfaces of one's teeth and gums (the skin around one's teeth inside one's mouth) to remove food and bacteria

How many people brush their teeth after every meal?

to floss - to move a small piece of thin string between one's teeth to remove food and bacteria

If little pieces of corn get stuck between your teeth, just floss after you've finished eating.

to rinse - to put something under moving water to clean it and wash away whatever was on it

Please rinse the dishes to remove the food before you put them in the dishwasher.

mouthwash - a liquid used to clean the inside of one's mouth, but not swallowed

Would you prefer a cherry- or mint-flavored mouthwash?

gums - the areas of skin on the inside of one's mouth that hold one's teeth

Do your gums ever bleed when you brush your teeth?

to preach - to give advice, especially unwanted advice, in an annoying or superior way, telling other people what they should be doing

It's easy for rich people to preach about the importance of saving for retirement, but they don't know how difficult it is to save money when you have a low-paying job.

chicken - a coward; someone who is not brave and is scared of doing something

Are you going to walk through the cemetery with us on Halloween night, or are you chicken?