Visiting the dentist isn’t always easy – especially for our children! Between all of the bright lights, loud noises, and unfamiliar faces, it might be quite a lot for a young child to handle. But did you know that you can turn toward books to help assuage their fears and prepare them for everything that a dental visit entails? Here are five popular book ideas that you should consider picking up and reading with your child if they’re feeling uneasy about dental care.
The Crocodile and the Dentist by Taro Gomi
Lots of people are afraid of their dentist – but this book turns this notion upside down, and instead, follows a dentist who’s quite afraid of his patient, who just so happens to be a crocodile! Your child will appreciate hearing both sides of the story – plus it will teach them that dentists are regular people too, with plenty of their own fears!
Doctor De Soto by William Steig
Doctor De Soto is a mouse with a knack for dentistry, and with the help of his wife, he’s able to treat all sorts of animal patients. In fact, he’s so good that his patients never feel pain at all! However, he’s faced with a challenge when a fox, his very own natural predator, turns up with a terrible toothache. Nonetheless, his lovable demeanor can help paint all dentists in a more positive light in your child’s eyes.
The Tooth Book: A Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums by Edward Miller
This picture book lays out what your child can expect when they go to the dentist with big, bright colors and cartoony images – which will immediately grip your child’s attention! The author also offers plenty of pointers for taking care of teeth, along with fun facts, interesting history, and heartfelt anecdotes. After flipping through its pages, your child will certainly feel better not just about visiting the dentist, but also about taking care of their teeth at home on their own.
The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan & Jan Berenstain
The Berenstain Bears family has been around for decades, and you might’ve grown up having their stories read to you. In this classic tale, the family takes a trip to see the dentist, and everyone sits through a thorough checkup and teeth cleaning. It shows that routine preventive care isn’t scary at all – in fact, it can be quite the opposite, filled with laughter and fun!
Curious George Visits the Dentist by Margret & H.A. Rey
Most adults are familiar with Curious George, the sweet, lovable, and sometimes mischievous monkey who goes on all sorts of adventures and escapades with the man in the yellow hat. In this instance, George discovers his first loose tooth – but he quickly learns that there’s nothing to fear when it comes to the dentist’s office!
Dental care is a lifelong endeavor, and the sooner your child becomes accustomed to visiting the dentist and caring for your smile, the better off their teeth and gums will be for the foreseeable future. If certain books can help with this, it’s a no-brainer to curl up on the couch with your little one and get to reading!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics has proudly served families in Pelham and the surrounding communities for several years, offering a wide range of dental and orthodontic services for children of all ages! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment for your child, please feel free to visit us online or call us today for additional information. Telephone: (603) 635-1166.