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A2At the Dentist

How to Look After Your Teeth at the Dentist

Phrasal Verb: look after |Grammar: Modal Verbs (should/must)

Objective

Students will learn how to use 'look after' and modal verbs should/must to talk about dental care advice.

Article

Visiting the dentist is important because you must look after your teeth to keep them healthy. Dentists say you should brush your teeth twice a day and use floss to look after the spaces between your teeth. You must not eat too much sugar because sugar can cause cavities. When you look after your teeth well, you will have fewer problems and less pain. Dentists also say you should visit them regularly for check-ups. This helps them find any problems early. If you do not look after your teeth, you might need more treatment. So, you must follow the advice and look after your teeth every day. Remember, you should not forget to change your toothbrush every three months. It is important to look after your teeth well to keep a bright smile and strong teeth.

Grammar Explanation

Meaning

'Look after' means to take care of something or someone.

Grammar Note

Modal verbs like 'should' and 'must' are used to give advice or say what is necessary.

Usage Tips

  • Use 'should' for advice that is a good idea but not always necessary.
  • Use 'must' for strong advice or rules that are very important.
  • 'Look after' is often used when talking about caring for health or things.

Examples

You should look after your teeth by brushing them twice a day.

Advice about daily dental care

You must look after your teeth to avoid cavities.

Strong advice about avoiding tooth problems

Dentists say you should look after your gums carefully.

Advice about gum care

You must look after your toothbrush and change it often.

Important rule about toothbrush hygiene

You should look after your teeth even if they feel fine.

Advice about ongoing dental care

Dialogue

Context: A patient talks to the dentist about dental care.

A:
What should I do to look after my teeth better?
B:
You should brush twice a day and floss regularly.
A:
Must I avoid eating sweets completely?
B:
Yes, you must limit sugar to protect your teeth.
A:
How often must I visit the dentist?
B:
You should come every six months for a check-up.

Vocabulary

Dentist
A person who looks after teeth and gums.
Example: I visit the dentist twice a year.
Synonym: Dental doctor
Cavity
A hole in a tooth caused by decay.
Example: Sugar can cause cavities in your teeth.
Synonym: Tooth decay
Floss
A thin thread used to clean between teeth.
Example: You should use floss daily to look after your teeth.
Synonym: Dental thread
Brush
To clean something with a brush, especially teeth.
Example: Brush your teeth twice a day.
Synonym: Clean
Sugar
A sweet substance that can damage teeth.
Example: Eating too much sugar is bad for your teeth.
Synonym: Sweetener
Gums
The soft parts around the teeth inside the mouth.
Example: You must look after your gums to keep them healthy.
Synonym: Gingiva
Check-up
A medical examination to check health.
Example: I have a dentist check-up every six months.
Synonym: Examination
Toothbrush
A small brush used for cleaning teeth.
Example: Change your toothbrush every three months.
Synonym: Dental brush
Healthy
In good condition, not sick or damaged.
Example: Looking after your teeth keeps them healthy.
Synonym: Well
Pain
Discomfort or hurt in the body.
Example: If you don’t look after your teeth, you may feel pain.
Synonym: Ache

Tips

  • Always say 'should' for advice your friends can follow but 'must' for important rules.
  • Use 'look after' when you talk about caring for things like health or belongings.
  • Don’t confuse 'should' and 'must'—'must' is stronger and more necessary.

Summary

In this lesson, you learned to use the phrasal verb 'look after' to talk about dental care. You also practised modal verbs 'should' and 'must' to give advice and express obligations. Now you can talk about how to keep your teeth healthy at the dentist.

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