Bringing your children to the pediatric dentist is absolutely vital to the long-term health of their teeth; however, a child might get confused or scared in the office. Even the best pediatric dentists need the help of supportive parents to do the work they do. One way to aid in the process, according to the children’s dental care team at Hawaii's Pedodontic Associates, is to educate parents about the instruments used by the dentist so that they can explain them to their kids.

So what are the instruments used during a visit, and how can you explain them to your child? Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Suction: This simple tube-shaped device is essential for getting rid of excess saliva during cleaning or other procedures. For younger children, most pediatric dentists recommend calling this the “vacuum” or “Mr. Thirsty.”
• Explorer: This is the pick-like apparatus used to probe and test the strength of teeth. To ease fears about poking or potential pain, it’s suggested that you refer to it as the “tooth counter.”
• Scaler: The scaler is what dentists use to scrape away plaque and tartar, but, to ease fears about what it does, just call it the “tooth cleaner.”
• Dental Handpiece: This is what’s commonly referred to as the “drill,” but of course, the image of a drill inside a mouth makes many children—and to be sure, most adults—a little squeamish. These devices are essential for creating the spaces needed for fillings and other restorative work; the more high-speed kind is better referred to as “Mr. Whistle,” and the low-speed type as “Mr. Bumpy.”

A little knowledge of dental instruments will help you support your child throughout his or her dental visit, ensuring that they’re happy to go back. Of course, when it comes to dedicated pediatric dentistry services, there’s no better choice on the islands than Pedodontic Associates. Schedule an appointment by calling their Honolulu office at (808) 735-1733, the Aiea location at (808) 487-7933 or the Kahului location at (808) 877-0066. You can also check out the practice’s website for dental health tips and a description of services.