la corona
La corona is a dental crown, a protective cap placed over a tooth. In dental Spanish, it often comes up when something feels loose or needs replacement.
Common Phrases
- una corona dental — a dental crown
- poner una corona — to place a crown
Example
La corona dental protege el diente.
The dental crown protects the tooth.
Common Mistake
Using the wrong article: la corona is correct; el corona is incorrect.
la sonrisa
La sonrisa means a smile. It is useful for describing appearance, photos, and the friendly tone you want at an appointment.
Common Phrases
- una sonrisa bonita — a pretty smile
- una gran sonrisa — a big smile
Example
Su sonrisa se nota incluso en la sala de espera.
His smile is noticeable even in the waiting room.
Common Mistake
Agreement with adjectives: una sonrisa bonita is correct; una sonrisa bonito is incorrect.
la saliva
La saliva means saliva. It is common in dental conversations about dry mouth, protection of teeth, and oral health.
Common Phrases
- producir saliva — to produce saliva
- falta de saliva — lack of saliva
Example
La saliva protege la boca durante el día.
Saliva protects the mouth during the day.
Common Mistake
Misspelling it: saliva is correct; saliba is incorrect.
limpio
Limpio means clean. You can use it for objects (like a toothbrush) and for surfaces in a hygiene context.
Common Phrases
- mantener limpio — to keep clean
- dejar limpio — to leave clean
Example
El cepillo parece limpio, pero es mejor cambiarlo con frecuencia.
The toothbrush looks clean, but it is better to replace it often.
Common Mistake
Forgetting agreement when needed: la boca limpia is correct; la boca limpio is incorrect.
el enjuague
El enjuague usually refers to mouthwash or a rinse in dental contexts. It is a helpful word for step-by-step care and instructions at a visit.
Common Phrases
- enjuague bucal — mouthwash
- hacer un enjuague — to do a rinse
Example
El enjuague bucal dura treinta segundos.
The mouthwash lasts thirty seconds.
Common Mistake
Wrong gender: el enjuague is correct; la enjuague is incorrect.
el diente
El diente means tooth. It is essential for describing where a problem is, what feels sensitive, or what needs treatment.
Common Phrases
- un diente sensible — a sensitive tooth
- caries en un diente — a cavity in a tooth
Example
Un diente sensible requiere un cepillado suave.
A sensitive tooth requires gentle brushing.
Common Mistake
Using the wrong article: el diente is correct; la diente is incorrect.
el hilo
El hilo means thread, and in dental care it points to floss when you say hilo dental. It is great for quick shopping or routine talk.
Common Phrases
- hilo dental — dental floss
- usar hilo dental — to use dental floss
Example
Hoy uso hilo dental por la noche.
Tonight I use dental floss.
Common Mistake
Leaving out the key word: hilo dental is clear; hilo alone can sound like regular thread.
el dentista
El dentista means the dentist. It is used for appointments, checkups, and any conversation about dental care providers.
Common Phrases
- ir al dentista — to go to the dentist
- consulta del dentista — the dentist's office/appointment
Example
Voy al dentista para una revisión.
I am going to the dentist for a checkup.
Common Mistake
Anglicizing the word: el dentista is correct; el dentist is incorrect.