Your child might naturally be a bit nervous about going to the dentist, especially for the first time. Sometimes, it takes a fun, colorful book to make the situation less stressful. And, especially when you read the book out loud in your storytelling voice, a visit to the dentist can be much more relaxing.
Here are 10 books to help your child be at ease with their dental office visit. Many of them you can find at the library!
1. The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss
A classic by the master of children’s storytelling, The Tooth Book by Theo LeSieg (Dr. Seuss) explores what animals have teeth, including a lion, walrus, and clam, as a human boy learns what it takes to have strong chompers. This board book is written for younger children in preschool through kindergarten. Written in the silly rhyming style of Dr. Seuss, this book will have your child laughing!
2. Pout Pout Fish Goes to the Dentist
The best-selling kid’s book series Pout-Pout Fish gets the smile treatment with Pout-Pout Fish Goes to the Dentist by Deborah Diesen. The eponymous ocean dweller is nervous about seeing the dentist because he wants a bright smile to show off to his friends. This fun book has two pages of stickers that help explain toothbrushing, flossing, and the tools that dentists use. Luckily, your cabinet has no seaweed-flavored toothpaste (although Pout-Pout loves that flavor)!
3. The Tooth Book by Edward Miller
The Tooth Book by Edward Miller is a Scholastic book for early schoolchildren (K-2). It covers cleaning and maintaining teeth by brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist. This book has everything, from straightforward advice and colorful art to facts and history about caring for your teeth.
4. Zayden Goes to the Dentist
For preschool to elementary-age children, Zayden Goes to the Dentist differs from other children’s books by using actual photographs rather than whimsical illustrations. The book shows that Zayden is nervous about going to the dentist. But when he arrives at the dentist’s office, he sees all of Dr. Evy’s patients smiling and happy. The youngster also learns the importance of brushing and flossing daily to maintain his smile.
5. A Day at the Dentist
Part of the Carl and Cindy book series by Maryanne J. Lawrence, A Day at the Dentist, shows what it’s like for the brother-and-sister duo as they go to the dentist with Mom. This book shows that going to the dentist can be fun, memorable, and instructive as the dentist tells Mom, Carl, and Cindy how best to care for their teeth.
6. Tooth Trouble
Wilbur Walrus is out playing with his friends when his tooth begins to ache. He tells his mom, and Mom is right in that she needs to take him to the dentist to look at his sore tooth. But Wilbur, like most kids, is nervous about going to the dentist. Plus, he just wants to have fun with his friends! Then, Grandpa convinces him that going to the dentist isn’t bad (especially for a walrus who needs his teeth). Tooth Trouble by Jane Clarke is cute, relatable to parents and kids, and features memorable characters.
7. Maisey, Charley, and the Wobbly Tooth
Animals are a popular theme in children’s books, and rightfully so. Kids love animals, especially when they see furry, scaly, or swimming creatures act like normal humans. Maisey, Charley, and the Wobbly Tooth, from the popular book series by Lucy Cousins, shows Charley with a loose tooth. But crocodiles need their sharp, shiny teeth to eat properly! So, that’s when Maisey the mouse and her animal friends rally to support Charley as he goes to the dentist to make sure his wobbly tooth is okay. At the end of the day, as his dentist predicted, Charley’s baby tooth falls out and he’s ready for a visit from the tooth fairy.
8. The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist
This classic tale from Stan and Jan Berenstain, The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist, starts out with Sister having a loose tooth. Brother then scares her by saying the dentist will yank it out! But Brother’s teeth aren’t much better because he has a cavity. So, Mama and Papa take them to see Dr. Bearson, the dentist, who shows Brother and Sister some of the tools he uses to keep their teeth bright, shiny, and strong. This book includes 50 stickers if you find the right edition.
9. The Night Before the Dentist
In the classic style of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, Natasha Wing’s story is about a preschooler named Billy going to the dentist for a check-up to have Dr. Keith check on his teeth. This book also talks about brushing and flossing every night. It also encourages kids and parents to explore the dentist’s office ahead of the appointment to make it a fun exploration into a youngster’s health.
10. Just Going to the Dentist
Another classic children’s book, Just Going to the Dentist, is by Mercer Mayer. Little Critter is going to see his dentist, a mild-mannered rabbit with two large front teeth. This book talks about what it’s like to have an X-ray, get teeth cleaned, and even need a shot of a local anesthetic to numb a tooth when a dentist needs to work on a cavity. Both parents and kids alike can relate to this story.
Make an Appointment With Dr. Scott
Our board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Stuart Scott, and his staff can help allay your child’s fears about going to the dentist. Contact us or call (417) 887-1220 to make an appointment. Our dedicated pediatric staff will help your child receive the best dental care possible!
