Dental Language

We pediatric dentists have a special language all our own. Let us do the explaining! We always explain the procedure and describe how it is going to feel prior to starting. We often describe what we are going to do with your child by utilizing a Tell, Show, and Do method. Certain words and phrases that parents utter can sometimes instill fear instead of offering explanation. Please support us by not using negative words that are often used for dental care.

If your child does want some questions answered at home the following are some words or phrasing we suggest:

Avoid Using	Our Equivalent
Needle/Shot	Sleepy Juice
Drill	Shower brush to clean teeth
Pull or yank tooth	Wiggle a tooth out
Decay, cavity	Sugar bug
Examination	Count Teeth
Tooth Cleaning	Tickle Teeth
Explorer	Tooth Counter
Rubber dam	Raincoat
Gas	Silly Air