Teeth
The singular form, meaning 'tooth'. Use this when talking about just one.
Specifically 'molars' or 'back teeth'. Plural of 'muela'.
A 'set of teeth' or, more commonly, 'dentures'.
I brush my teeth two times a day.
My son's tooth fell out.
I need an appointment because a molar hurts.
The baby doesn't have teeth yet.
The words 'dientes' (teeth) and 'muelas' (molars) are standard and understood everywhere in the Spanish-speaking world.
It's common to hear 'paletas' (literally 'popsicles') as a colloquial term for the two large front teeth.
Similar to Mexico, 'paletas' can be used informally to refer to the front teeth.
The vocabulary is the same as in Latin America. 'Dientes' and 'muelas' are the standard terms.
Using possessive adjectives (like 'my') with body parts during reflexive actions. For example, saying 'Cepillo mis dientes' instead of 'Me cepillo los dientes'. — In Spanish, when you do an action to your own body, you use a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se) and a definite article (el, la, los, las). The 'me' in 'me cepillo' already indicates they are 'my' teeth.
Confusing the singular 'diente' and plural 'dientes', especially with the verb 'doler' (to hurt). — Remember: 'Me duele el diente' (My tooth hurts - singular) but 'Me duelen los dientes' (My teeth hurt - plural). The verb 'doler' changes to match the number of things causing the pain.
Pronouncing 'dientes' as 'dye-EN-tees' with a long English 'i' sound. — The Spanish 'ie' is a quick, clean diphthong. The 'i' is like the 'ee' in 'see' and the 'e' is like the 'e' in 'pet'. Say it fast: 'dee-EN-tess'.
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