When you need this

When a tooth starts to hurt, you need to explain three things fast, usually on the phone: where it hurts, what kind of pain it is, and how long it's been going on. The receptionist uses your answer to decide whether you get an appointment tomorrow or next month, so being clear really matters.

English describes pain with a small set of adjectives. A sharp pain comes and goes quickly, a dull ache stays in the background, and a throbbing pain pulses like a heartbeat. Pair one of those with a location, "on the upper right" or "at the back", and you've given the dentist most of what they need.

Phrases

pain in or around a tooth

the pain started then and hasn't stopped

a sudden, strong pain that comes and goes

a low, steady pain in the background

a pain that pulses again and again

break a small piece off a tooth

the repair in your tooth has fallen out

there's blood from the skin around your teeth

bigger than usual because of pain or infection

it hurts when you eat or drink something cold

a visit booked quickly because it can't wait

find a time for you in a busy schedule

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Practice · 3 min

Say one natural line for each situation.

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Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.