Let’s be real, sometimes an upcoming trip to the dentist isn’t an event your kid is super excited about. They may even feel anxious about it, maybe because they don’t know what to expect. As your Naperville pediatric dentists, we’ve found that a great way to help kids feel more confident about a dental visit is to introduce the idea well beforehand. How? We suggest reading fun kids books about dental health and the dentist.
In honor of Children’s Dental Health Month, the team at Innovative Pediatric Dentistry has compiled a list of seven recommended reads that can help your children with overcoming their fear of the dentist.
1. The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan & Jan Berenstain
A classic series, you can always count on Mama and Papa Bear, and Brother and Sister Bear to cover relatable life lessons. In The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist, Sister Bear wakes up with a loose tooth and goes along with Brother Bear to have the dentist take a look. It’s Sister Bear’s first time visiting the dentist and she’s a bit scared so the story aims to set Sister Bear (and your child!) at ease by explaining what will happen at the dentist, including how cavities are filled and what dental tools the dentist uses.
2. Daniel Goes to the Dentist (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood)
If you have a little one, you’re likely familiar with the show, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. ICYMI, there’s an episode about Daniel going to the dentist for the first time and it’s been adapted into a children’s book about the dentist. Daniel is nervous about his first time visiting Dr. Plat so Dr. Plat walks Daniel through everything at his check-up and cleaning to put him at ease.
3. Curious George Visits the Dentist by Margret & H.A Rey
Another beloved character of children’s books with a tale (or is it tail?) about the dentist? Curious George. One of the most timeless children’s books about visiting the dentist, George bites into a wax apple which results in a wiggly tooth. The man in the yellow hat takes him to the dentist but since George has never been, he’s a bit nervous. George being George, he gets up to some shenanigans at the dentist’s office, making new friends with other kids and dentist, Dr. Wang. George concludes that the dentist isn’t such a scary place… it’s actually fun!
4. The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss
With its signature zany rhymes and nonsensical words, this Dr Suess book is one of the silliest and over-the-top books about teeth and dental health. But in its rhyme, you’ll have a great time, learning facts about teeth, the dentist, and the importance of taking care of your smile.
5. Peppa Pig Dentist Trip (published by Scholastic)
Peppa Pig. Need we say more? The book Peppa Pig Dentist Trip is based on an episode of the popular show. Here, good big sister Peppa helps little George see that their trip to the dentist is nothing to worry about. It’s one of the must-read children’s books about visiting the dentist that you and your child will take to heart. Just be sure to remind your child that we don’t have any elephant dentists at Innovative Pediatric Dentistry like in Peppa Pig!
6. My First Visit to the Dentist by Rachel Grider
If your child has never been to the dentist, this is one of the children’s books about visiting the dentist you cannot miss. Written by a dental hygienist, this book teaches kids how to keep their smile healthy, introduces dental terms, and talks about the dentist in a positive way.
7. We’re Going to the Dentist: Going for a Check-Up by Marion Cocklico
Have a toddler who’s a bit worried about going to the dentist? We’re Going to the Dentist is an interactive book that can help preschool children with overcoming their fear of the dentist. Fun flaps, pull-tabs and a wheel provide a memorable sensory experience for learning about the dentist.
No Biggie! Making Kids Dental Care Fun For Your Little One
Hopefully, our picks for the seven best children’s books about visiting the dentist will help your kiddo walk into our Naperville pediatric dental office with confidence. And as a parent, you can have peace of mind knowing that our gentle touch, high-tech approach, and colorful office means a more comfortable, efficient, and exciting experience at every step.
Make your child’s appointment today at Naperville’s award-winning pediatric dentist!