Kid Friendly Terms
Words have the power to change outlook. When talking about the dentist at home, keep our softer terminology in mind. “Tooth cleaner,” for example, is far more cheery than the word “drill.” Fun and helpful word substitutions such as this provide a sense of understanding while nurturing a positive attitude about dental care for years to come. After all, going to the dentist should be fun, not scary!
Here are some of the most common pediatric dental terms you’ll hear us using at the dentist’s office:
Dental Terminology
Nitrous Oxide or Oxygen
Nitrous Mask (N202 mask)
Water Rinse
Air or Suction
Injection or Shot
Cavities
X-ray
X-ray Unit
Leaded Apron
Mouth Mirror
Explorer
Extraction
Rubber Dam
Rubber Dam Clamp
Topical Anesthetic
Isolite
Composites or Fillings
Prophy Angle
Scaler
Fluoride Foam
Curing Light
Kid-friendly Terminology
Magic Air or Laughing Gas
Miss Piggy’s Nose, Power Ranger, or Astronaut Nose
Tooth Shower
Wind, Vacuum, or Straw
Balloon Medicine
Cavity Bugs or Sugar Bugs
Picture
Camera
Apron, Cape, or Blanket
Tooth Mirror
Tooth Counter
Wiggle Out
Tooth Umbrella or Raincoat
Tooth Ring
Special Lotion, Sleepy Gel, or Tickle Gel
Jellyfish Pillow
Mouth Star or Tooth Star
Tooth Tickler or Special Toothbrush
Tooth Scraper
Tooth Bubble Bath or Tooth Vitamins
Magic Wand or Flashlight