21 Books to Help Your Child Not Be Afraid of the Dentist
No one wants their child to be afraid of anything, and definitely not necessary medical care like going to the dentist or seeing a doctor. Help your child visit the dentist without fear by making it a normal and not scary part of life. Have easier visits by making sure your children know what to expect.
Table of Contents
Here are 21 books to read with your child to help prevent or overcome fears of the dentist.
The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist
Brother Bear has a cavity that needs to be filled by Dr. Bearson. Sister Bear watches, although she’s a little nervous, and then it’s time for her loose tooth to be pulled.
The Crocodile and the Dentist
Who’s more afraid of who in this book? In the end, they both realize they can get through the dentist appointment together without being afraid.
Show Me Your Smile, A Visit to the Dentist
Join Dora the Explorer at the dentist for her check-up. Readers explore the office with her as she gets her teeth cleaned and picks her special prize.
What to Expect When You Go to the Dentist
Angus the Answer Dog helps young readers learn what they can expect at the dentist. Kids learn that it’s not scary, and it can be fun.
Just Going to the Dentist
Little Critter needs to go to the dentist for a check-up, X-rays, and to have a cavity filled. He makes it through bravely, as he does with everything else.
ABC Dentist
Great for reading together and learning the alphabet, each letter represents some part of the dentist. T is for teeth, and G is for gums.
Visiting the Dentist
This is a chapter book for older kids that’s part of the Growing Up Series of books. It discusses several aspects of going to the dentist, including cavities, fillings, and even tooth decay.
Vera Goes to the Dentist
Vera’s sisters have already been to the dentist before but now it’s her turn, and she’s a little nervous.
Off We Go to the Dentist
A book written for young children, including those with special needs, it shares what happens at the dentist. The authors also includes sensory concerns like bibs that are too tight and bright lights that bother the eyes.
Doctor De Soto
Of course a mouse can be a dentist. He sees small animals in his chair and uses a ladder for the big animals.
Going to the Dentist
Little kids have to do a lot of things for the first time, including going to the dentist. This is a fun and funny look at the first check-up with a dentist.
Never Take a Shark to the Dentist
Some things just shouldn’t be done. Kids need to go to the dentist, but not sharks.
Zack at the Dentist
Doctor Potomus would love to give Zack an F for flossing and a D in brushing. Instead, he’ll teach Zack how to take better care of his teeth.
Maisy, Charley, and the Wobbly Tooth
Charley has his first trip to the dentist, and he’s a bit nervous. But his friends go with him to keep him company, and they all learn how fun the dentist’s office can really be.
Sammy the Centipede Goes to the Dentist
Sammy needs to go to the dentist and he talks about what he — and your child — can expect when he gets there.
The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss
In true Dr. Seuss fashion, this is fun to read out loud while also teaching kids what they need to know about their teeth, including why it’s important to take care of them.
The Tooth You Who Himself for Granted
A certain tooth thought he could eat all the sweets he wanted and never brush or floss. Then he ends up “sick” with a cavity and needs to go to the dentist.
Curious George Visits the Dentist
If your child loves Curious George and the Man in the Yellow Hat, they can join him on his first visit to the dentist. They and George will learn there’s nothing scary about it.
Clark the Shark: Tooth Trouble
Clark has a loose tooth, and he’s scared because he needs to go to the dentist. By the time he’s done, he learns there was nothing to be scared about at all.
Dentist Trip
Peppa the Pig and her brother George have a dentist appointment. Peppa takes it all in stride but George is nervous. His big sister helps him see there’s no reason to be afraid.
Cedric the Shark Gets a Toothache
A certain shark named Cedric really loves candies and sweets. But when he eats too many, he may need a trip to the dentist.
Conclusion
Helping kids see that the dentist takes care of them when their teeth are “sick” by reading books is a great way to alleviate their fears. It’s also good to give them an idea of what to expect at their first dentist appointment. Kids who are raised to see dental check-ups as a normal part of life are more likely to go to the dentist as adults.
