For many kids, a trip to the dentist’s office can feel scary. Between all the bright lights, new sounds and smells, and unfamiliar faces and dental instruments, it’s a lot to take in. However, children’s books have a way of turning dental visits into something fun and easy to understand. Reading them together before your child’s visit can help them feel more comfortable—or even excited—about dental care! Here are five popular children’s books centered around dental visits that your little one will love.
The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan and Jan Berenstain
This classic story helps to show children that routine dental checkups and cleanings are absolutely nothing to fear. Throughout its pages, it shows Brother Bear and Sister Bear attending a dental visit while also demonstrating what happens during a cleaning in a lighthearted and reassuring way.
Just Going to the Dentist by Mercer Mayer
Kids will love this story detailing Little Critter’s first trip to the dentist. With familiar illustrations and gentle humor, it helps young ones understand what to expect, from everything from teeth cleaning to X-rays to even filling cavities—but hopefully your child doesn’t have any to begin with!
Doctor De Soto by William Steig
This award-winning story is about a clever mouse dentist who treats his animal patients with the help of his wife. The book emphasizes that Doctor De Soto’s patients never feel any pain at all, thanks to his incredible talent. This can make the idea of visiting the dentist far less intimidating for your little one!
Daniel Goes to the Dentist by Alexandra Cassel Schwartz
Daniel Tiger models bravery in this story and teaches children that dentists are there to help them, not hurt them. Daniel’s kind and patient dentist details every step of the visit as it happens, removing all of the mystery and unknown from it. After reading this one, your child will know what to expect as soon as they’re seated in the dental chair—which, for many, is the most daunting part of the visit.
Dentist Trip (Peppa Pig) by Neville Astley and Mark Baker
Fans of Peppa Pig will love following along as Peppa and her little brother George go in for their dental checkup. Peppa is able to calm George down with some words of wisdom, and he’s able to make it through his first trip to the dentist with a smile on his face; this shows that your child can, too!
Reading these books together before bedtime—or even bringing one with you to the dental office—can give your child the comfort and confidence they need to have a great dental appointment!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics has proudly served the needs of families in Nashua and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide range of pediatric dental services for children of all ages, including routine preventive care as well as sedation options to ensure a smooth visit. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up an appointment for your child, please reach out online or call today for information or assistance. Telephone: (603) 880-5002.