Creating a Fun and Positive Dental Experience with Child Friendly Language

~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You To Know

Open Big And Say Cheese Just Like Counting My Teeth At My Pediatric Dentist's Office
Open Big And Say Cheese Just Like Counting My Teeth At My Pediatric Dentist’s Office

As parents you want to soothe any dental anxiety and remove fears of the dentist for your children, and one of the best tools at your disposal is knowledge.

Keeping descriptions simple, easy going, and relatable is always important no matter what your childā€™s age. Using child friendly words when explaining the people they will meet, the sites, sounds and instruments (aka tools) go a long way to easing your child into their dental visits. 

Today weā€™re breaking down the basics on how to keep things simple, honest and understandable when preparing your child for their visit with the pediatric dentist.

Child Friendly Language Is The Key To Creating A Fun And Positive Dental Experience

Each visit is an opportunity for you and your pediatric dentist to create a positive dental experience for your child. Fun and self-explanatory word exchanges allow for understanding and encourage confidence toward dental appointments. 

Child Friendly Dental Words

Adult Dental WordsChild Friendly Dental Words
Dental ChairRecliner
Dental Chair LightFlashlight
Saliva EjectorMr. Thirsty or Straw
Dental MirrorLooking Glass
ExplorerTooth Counter
College PliersPicker Uppers
Air Water SyringeWater Squirter or Super Soaker or Wind & Water
Examine TeethCounting Teeth
CleaningTickle Teeth
Prophy BrushTooth Tickler or Electric Toothbrush
Prophy PasteYummy Flavored Toothpaste
FlossTooth String
FluorideTooth Muscles or Tooth Vitamins
X-ray MachineCamera
Intra-oral SensorTooth Selfie or Photo
Lead ApronEmoji Cape or Superhero Cape or Blanket
CavitySugar Bugs
High Speed Handpiece (aka fast drill)Mr. Whistle or Airplane
Slow Speed Handpiece (aka slow drill)Mr. Bumpitty Bump or Motorcycle
BurShower Head
InjectionSleepy Juice For Teeth
Topical AnestheticJelly or Spicy Jelly
Remove A ToothTooth Dance or Tooth Wiggle
InfectionBubble
Rubber DamRaincoat
Rubber Dam ClampTooth Ring
Isodry or IsoliteMr. Fish or Tooth Pillow
Nitrous-Oxide OxygenMagic Air
Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen NoseIce Cream Nose
Curing LightTooth Dryer or Magic Light
CrownChapeau or Fancy Hat or Baseball/Football Helmet
Space MaintainerTooth Jewelery
SealantTooth Polish
Child Friendly Dental Words
A Big Thumbs Up To My Pediatric Dentist For Being Creative In Helping Me Understand Everything Today
A Big Thumbs Up To My Pediatric Dentist For Being Creative In Helping Me Understand Everything Today
Today Is My Dentist's Appointment And I Can't Wait To Go
Today Is My Dentist’s Appointment And I Can’t Wait To Go
Telling Daddy About The Fun Words I Learned At My Pediatric Dentist Visit Today
Telling Daddy About The Fun Words I Learned At My Pediatric Dentist Visit Today
Daddy's High Five With Me For Having Such A Great Visit With My Pediatric Dentist, Thank You Dentist
Daddy’s High Five With Me For Having Such A Great Visit With My Pediatric Dentist, Thank You Dentist
Mommy Is Showing Me How Much Fun I'm Going To Have At My Pediatric Dentist Appointment Today
Mommy Is Showing Me How Much Fun I’m Going To Have At My Pediatric Dentist Appointment Today
My Mommy Is Tickling My Tummy And My Pediatric Dentist Will Tickle My Teeth
My Mommy Is Tickling My Tummy And My Pediatric Dentist Will Tickle My Teeth
Thumbs Up To My Pediatric Dentist For Helping Me Today, And For Being Such A Good Helper I Get Extra Game Time
Thumbs Up To My Pediatric Dentist For Helping Me Today, And For Being Such A Good Helper I Get Extra Game Time
My Pediatric Dentist. Makes Me So Comfortable When They Use The Mirror And Tooth Counter To Check My Teeth, No Matter How Old I Get
My Pediatric Dentist. Makes Me So Comfortable When They Use The Mirror And Tooth Counter To Check My Teeth, No Matter How Old I Get
I'm Drawing A Thank You Tooth For My Pediatric Dentis
I’m Drawing A Thank You Tooth For My Pediatric Dentis
Mommy Is So Happy Since I Listened So Well To What My Pediatric Dentist Explained To Me At My Visit Today
Mommy Is So Happy Since I Listened So Well To What My Pediatric Dentist Explained To Me At My Visit Today
Thumbs Up To My Pediatric Dentist For Counting My Teeth and Using The Tooth Tickler
Thumbs Up To My Pediatric Dentist For Counting My Teeth and Using The Tooth Tickler
My Pediatric Dentist Did A Great Job Explaining Everything To Me, So I Was A Really Good Helper And Daddy's Proud Of Me-High 5 Daddy
My Pediatric Dentist Did A Great Job Explaining Everything To Me, So I Was A Really Good Helper And Daddy’s Proud Of Me-High 5 Daddy
Thumbs Up For The Best Dentist Appointment Ever
Thumbs Up For The Best Dentist Appointment Ever
Blowing Bubbles With My Prize From My Pediatric Dentist
Blowing Bubbles With My Prize From My Pediatric Dentist
Thumbs Up To Me For Being Such A Good Listener At My Pediatric Dentist's Appointment Yesterday
Thumbs Up To Me For Being Such A Good Listener At My Pediatric Dentist’s Appointment Yesterday
We're Dancing Our Way To Our Pediatric Dentist
We’re Dancing Our Way To Our Pediatric Dentist

What To Remember

Itā€™s not what we say but how we say things that make all the difference. Effective language is key to having a positive experience. As children grow and mature pediatric dentists tailor their explanations to be age appropriate. 

No matter what their age, children remember the fun words at the dentist as they grow which helps them have a positive experience and attitude for their dental visits.

Before you know it theyā€™ll be saying to you ā€œI remember when you explained to me about Mr. Whistle and the sugar bugs, by doing that you made it so easy for me at the dentist.ā€ Now thatā€™s empowerment.

I'm Giving My Pediatric Dentist A Thumbs Up For Explaining Everything So I Wasn't Nervous Today
I’m Giving My Pediatric Dentist A Thumbs Up For Explaining Everything So I Wasn’t Nervous Today
My Children Just Had The Best Pediatric Dental Appointment
My Children Just Had The Best Pediatric Dental Appointment

How do you prepare your child for their dental visit? Have you come up with any fun words to explain to your child their upcoming appointment? Which are your favorite childrenā€™s dental terms? Tell us, Weā€™d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or chat with us on Facebook

More tips? We have lots. Weā€™re here just for kids!

Unknown's avatar

Published by kidstoothhotline

As a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist with over ten years of experience practicing Pediatric Dentistry, I understand that parents and caregivers are in need for information to care for their children's oral health. You may not have your normal lines of communication open or you cannot easily call or visit your childā€™s Dentist and obtain answers to your questions. Some families may not yet have a Pediatric Dentist to call. My expertise and knowledge can help serve as your source as I provide answers with information that is current, informative and the Gold Standards of Care which are the practice Guidelines approved by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. I want to help you access this important information by answering your questions through this site. You may want to submit your own individual questions or you can view my postings and answers to other families questions that may apply to your child's needs. I am committed to helping you stay informed, after all it is all about your child.