How to Sign "Teeth"
Form an index finger (a '1' handshape) with your dominant hand. Part your lips to show your teeth. Then, slide your index finger horizontally across your front teeth.
Examples Using "Teeth" in a Sentence
1
I need to brush my teeth.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'need', then sign 'teeth' by sliding your index finger across your exposed front teeth, and finish with the sign for 'brush'.
2
My teeth hurt.
Sign 'my', then sign 'teeth' by pointing your index finger and moving it across your teeth, and finish with the sign for 'hurt' located near your jaw.
3
The baby has new teeth.
Sign 'baby', 'new', and then clearly show the sign for 'teeth' by parting your lips and sliding your index finger across your own teeth.
How to Sign "Teeth"
Form an index finger (a '1' handshape) with your dominant hand. Part your lips to show your teeth. Then, slide your index finger horizontally across your front teeth.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and indexical. It simply involves pointing directly to the body part being referenced, using the index finger to visually highlight the teeth.
Signing Tips
Make sure to part your lips and show your teeth clearly when making this sign. The visual cue of your actual teeth is just as important as the hand movement. Keep your index finger close to, but not necessarily touching, your teeth to maintain hygiene while signing.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is pointing to the lips or the cheek instead of directly at the teeth. Another mistake is keeping the mouth closed, which hides the teeth and makes the sign look like 'mouth' or 'lip' instead.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Teeth" in a Sentence
1I need to brush my teeth.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'need', then sign 'teeth' by sliding your index finger across your exposed front teeth, and finish with the sign for 'brush'.
2My teeth hurt.
Sign 'my', then sign 'teeth' by pointing your index finger and moving it across your teeth, and finish with the sign for 'hurt' located near your jaw.
3The baby has new teeth.
Sign 'baby', 'new', and then clearly show the sign for 'teeth' by parting your lips and sliding your index finger across your own teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I actually have to touch my teeth?
No, you don't need to physically touch your teeth. Hovering your index finger just in front of your exposed teeth while moving it horizontally is perfectly acceptable and more hygienic.
Is the sign for 'tooth' the same as 'teeth'?
Yes, the sign is generally the same. However, if you need to specify a single tooth, you would point directly to that specific tooth and tap it, rather than sliding your finger across all of them.
Does it matter which hand I use?
You should use your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, use your right index finger and slide it across your teeth. Consistency with your dominant hand helps make your signing clearer.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!