Question 1

I usually go to the dentist for a check up or cleaning about 3 times a year. I go more often if I feel like I have a cavity or another problem. The last time I visited was in February because I had some trouble with a filling. That particular tooth has been giving me trouble for a while. The filling doesn't fit right, so food gets stuck in it easily and causes trouble. Because of that, I don't enjoy going to the dentist. Since I have moved recently I need to find a new dentist. I hope they will be better.

Question 2

I used to only brush my teeth before bed, but since I started having trouble with my tooth I have been much more careful about taking care of my teeth. Now I floss every night and I even bought a waterpik. I started to enjoy this part of my daily routine.

Question 3

My previous dentist was in Osaka. The first dentist who changed my old filling was quite rough. He was not very friendly and he had big, strong hands, which made me uncomfortable. Later, I requested another dentist from the same office. He was much nicer and easy to talk to. He gave me good advice and was very gentle. I think it is very important to have a friendly dentist.

Question 4

They probably earn a good salary, but I imagine it would be a difficult job. Many people don't like going to the dentist, so that would make me sad. It could also be pretty gross sometimes. I wouldn't want my nose so close to someone who has bad breath.

Question 5

The worst experience was definitely the one with my first dentist in Osaka. He was very rough when he was removing my old filling and wasn't vacuuming my mouth enough. It caused me to choke on water several times. The anesthetic didn't work properly at first, either. He had to give me a second injection. I was very anxious and distressed. After that I requested a different dentist.

Question 6

I just chose an office near my house. I think this time I will be more careful and read some reviews first.

Tough Vocabulary

Question 1

I go to the dentist every three months or so. I had my last check up in March. There were no issues.

Question 2

I am pretty good as I brush my teeth twice a day and I swish Listorine around my mouth. I do not floss but I know that I should.

Question 3

A good dentist should be professional but friendly. I do not like a dentist or doctor to be too chatty.

Question 4

I think for some people it is a good job, but it is not for me. I do not want to look inside people mouths.

Question 5

I have never had an outstanding nor terrible experience. Everything has been fairly pleasant.

Question 6

I chose my dentist as it is very close to my apartment and it always has a steady stream of patients. So, it must be popular and I thought it must be good.

Tough Vocabulary

- English -	- Japanese -
swish Listorine	シュッシュリストリン
too chatty	口数が多い
fairly pleasant	痛快淋漓
steady stream of patients	患者さんが絶えない

Question 1

I try to make it a point to go the dentist once every 3 months or at least quarterly. My last check-up was in February. It was my first time to have it here in Japan so my husband accompanied me to the clinic. I only had my teeth cleaned so there wasn't any major procedure done on my teeth.

Question 2

Honestly, I'm a bit lazy when it comes to my dental hygiene. I used to think that as long as I don't have any cavities, I should be fine.  I should prioritize it more if I don't want to regret anything later on.

Question 3

I only had a regular dentist when I was a child. From my memory, he was very friendly and bubbly. I guess that's how a dentist's facade has to be considering kids have a misconception of dental clinics.

Question 4

I highly respect this profession but I can never imagine myself with a medical related career. Seeing blood or any major injuries just makes my knees go weak and I don't want to be the doctor who faints in front of patients.

Question 5

Five years ago when I had one of my wisdoom teeth extracted, I had an uncomfortable experience in the clinic. Although I received anaesthesia, the dentist had to do the operation twice since my wisdom tooth was too big to be pulled out once.

Question 6

Proximity. The one that I went to last February, was just on the ground floor of our apartment building. I did notice the strong competition in this industry though and if ever we'll move to another residence, I might still opt for a clinic nearest to the new house.

Tough Vocabulary