Doctor De Soto
A funny, classic, Caldecott honor book whereby the dentist has a case of the jitters, not the patient. Young children will appreciate the conundrum Dr. De Soto faces when his patient, who would ordinarily eat him for lunch, happens to have a toothache. Using creative problem-solving, the dentist manages to help the fox feel better without getting eaten. Young kids will giggle throughout this book about a dentist who may look a little different than their own.
Children's Books About the Dentist Ease Jitters
It is entirely normal and common for children to experience anxiety about going to the dentist. Heck, most adults share these same nervous and apprehensive feelings. If it is the child's first routine dental appointment, there will be lots of questions. What happens during the visit? What will the dentist do to my teeth? Will it hurt? Reading kids' dentist books will help!
Kids will feel reassured knowing that the dentist is gentle and dental cleanings do not cause pain. Reading children's books about brushing teeth will reinforce the importance of taking care of oral hygiene to prevent cavities and more trips to see the dentist. To keep reading time fun, include some kids' tooth fairy books for friendly reminders about taking good care of their teeth.
Reading children's books about the dentist is an excellent way to answer their questions and calm their little nerves. We've provided some of our favorites by age to help you pick the best titles for your little ones.
Best Dentist Books for Preschoolers
Oftentimes preschool kids experience a strong fear of the dentist that manifests into undesirable behaviors. Crying, temper tantrums, and general uncooperativeness interferes with the dentist's ability to take care of the toddler. We suggest that you get ahead of the problem by reading some humorous, gentle, and reassuring children's books for toddlers about dentist visits and everything they can expect.
Peppa Pig: Dentist Trip
Peppa Pig fans will enjoy this cute book about visiting the dentist. George is a bundle of nerves but Peppa is there for moral support. She teaches him that the dentist office can actually be a fun place to visit. A fun book for the preschool crowd.
Dentists and What They Do
A simple, informative book perfect for toddlers getting ready for their first dental appointment. The dentist teaches young readers all about the importance of brushing their teeth. Kids also will learn about all the other ways they can take care of their pearly whites, and the importance of regular cleanings by the dentist. Sweet, gentle and practical book for kids preparing for a their first dental examination.
Daniel Goes to the Dentist
A comforting book for preschoolers who are nervous about going to the dentist. Daniel is anxious about his visit, but Dr. Plat does an excellent job of explaining everything. He gets his teeth examined, cleaned, and polished without any pain or problems along the way.
Dentist
Informative, straight-forward book for toddlers getting ready to go to their first dentist visit. Simple text explains exactly what to expect. Friendly characters and colorful illustrations make this an accessible, comforting book for young children with a case of the dental jitters.
Madison Goes to the Dentist
Join this adorable little girl as she brushes her teeth every night. She does a great job cleaning her pearly whites! Madison also visits the dentist and learns all about good dental hygiene. An excellent book for preschoolers who are learning to independently care for their teeth.
We're Going to the Dentist
An interactive, lift-the-flap, spin-the-wheels book that turns a trip to the dentist into a fun experience. This is an especially helpful board book for preschoolers who are getting ready for their very first dental check-up. They will follow along as Nancy and Teddy show them what happens and why their dental cleanings are so important.
Children's Books About the Dentist for Kindergarten and Up
Going to the dentist for an exam...which could ultimately lead to uncomfortable procedures like getting cavities filled or having root canals....is one of those unpleasantries that we all must face. It can be especially traumatic for young children (sometimes requiring sedation!) who are anxious about their first, second, third, or quite frankly, every single visit.
Reading picture books about the dentist is an effective way to prepare them for their next dental cleaning, cavity filling, or whatever else is in store! Here is a collection of the best dentist books for kindergarten and up.
The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist
The Berenstain Bears have been helping kids overcome everyday challenges for decades. Here Brother and Sister Bear visit the dentist. They learn all about the tools the dentist uses to clean their teeth and check for cavities. This book is sure to answer your child's questions and comes with a bonus page of fun stickers.
Just Going to the Dentist
A classic Little Critter book that will help your child feel a lot better about going to the dentist. All of the basics are covered, from teeth cleaning to x-rays, and Little Critter learns that the dentist office is not a scary place after all. Mercer Mayer's illustrations are packed with enough detail for kids to discovery something new with every reading.
Curious George Visits the Dentist
Sometimes an accident requires a trip to see the dentist. Leave it to Curious George to bite into a fake apple and almost lose a tooth. The dentist manages to save his wiggly tooth, and of course, George manages to get into a little mischief along the way. A page of stickers is a sweet surprise at the end of the book
Pout-Pout Fish Goes to the Dentist
Pout-Pout fish really wants to be able to smile. So, he swims off to visit the dentist for some help. Preschoolers will enjoy the silly vanity of a fish who is concerned about his pearly whites. A cute addition to a child's library that will help assuage fears about getting teeth cleaned and all the other hygienic activities. A bonus page of stickers is included.
Did Dinosaurs Have Dentists?
An incredibly informative book about both dentists and dinosaurs. A little boy wonders if dinosaurs had all the same oral hygiene practices as humans, like brushing, flossing, and getting braces. Eleven different dinosaurs showcase their dental care and cover important terminology related to their teeth. Dinosaur lovers will also devour all the interesting information about the dinosaurs themselves. Terrific children's book for easing fears around visiting the dentist.
Open Wide, Tooth School Inside
One of the most zany, creative books about dental care that will teach your kids all about the importance of taking care of their teeth. Full of facts and whimsy, this adorable book features 32 student teeth who are eager to learn all about brushing, flossing and preventing tooth decay. Learning about taking care of your teeth has never been so much fun! A perfect read to get children ready for an upcoming appointment with the dentist.
Sugar Bugs
A picture is worth a thousand words- a very applicable quote for this children's book about the perils of eating too much sugar. A family of sugar bugs moves into a little boy's mouth and they thrive on his diet of sugary treats. At the beginning, he thinks they are friendly critters, but after time, he notices some unwelcome changes happening to his teeth. A trip to the dentist office fixes the problem and the boy learns all about how to prevent cavities going forward.
The Tooth Book
This funny, classic Dr. Seuss book pays respect to teeth and everything they do to help us. Kids will be in fits of giggles throughout but will learn that chompers require a lot of attention. Plenty of learning packed into silliness.
The Crocodile and the Dentist
It's quite a fright for a dentist who is presented with a crocodile who has a toothache. He wants to help his patient feel better, but the reptile's menacing appearance has him questioning whether he can get the job done. Likewise, the crocodile has a terrible fear of the dentist even though he needs his help. Kids will enjoy reading about how each of these characters overcomes his fears and faces a tough situation with courage.
No Rushing When Brushing
Two valuable books bundled together may be just what you need to improve your child's dental hygiene. One of the stories focuses on the importance of good brushing. It explains why it is so important to take care of your teeth. The second story is a matter-of-fact description of what it's like to visit the dentist and why there is no reason to be afraid.
Why We Go to the Dentist
Sitting in the chair at the dentist surrounded by tools and equipment is an intimidating experience. And quite frankly, the experience of having teeth cleaned, mouth x-rays taken, and cavities filled is not exactly pleasant. This book does an excellent job of explaining why all of these things are necessary in order to keep our teeth clean and healthy. Real photographs on every page show children exactly what is taking place inside their mouths when they are in the dental chair.
Andrew's Loose Tooth
In this silly book, even Andrew's dentist (who is quite unconventional!) can't pull out his loose tooth. Andrew's friends and family try everything, from pliers to the Tooth Fairy, but this tooth is most stubborn. Fantastically funny illustrations and preposterous tooth-pulling methods fill the pages until finally there is success.
Let's Meet a Dentist
Whether your child is an aspiring dentist or just has an upcoming appointment, this helpful book with cartoon-like pictures will answer every question. Dr. Florez explains how every piece of equipment in her dental office helps her take care of patients. Readers will learn what to expect at their next visit, from X-rays to teeth cleaning.
Ruby Jean Goes to the Dentist
Just like a lot of kids, Ruby Jean is nervous about her appointment with the dentist. When the big day arrives, she is greeted by Dr. Bonic, the dental hygienist, and the rest of the friendly office staff. Ruby Jean does a fantastic job following all of the directions and she is rewarded with a special surprise at the end of her visit. A very reassuring picture book about the dentist for any kid who has the jitters.
The Tooth Book: A Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums
This guide for children teaches them everything they could ever want to know about taking care of their teeth, and why teeth are so important. We need them to smile, talk, and eat! Readers will learn everything that happens when they visit the dentist. And parents will enjoy learning all kinds of fascinating trivia about teeth.
The Night Before the Dentist
This dentist book that is part of best-selling "The Night Before" series is about a little boy who does a great job taking care of his teeth. He has lost four teeth already and can't wait to show the dentist his gaps. A fun, rhyming book that is sure to make your child feel more comfortable at the next dental exam.
Ollie and Ted: The Dentist Visit
Going to the dentist for the very first time can be a scary experience. This reassuring book shares the story of Ollie's first dental exam and cleaning. Readers learn about the fun chair that reclines, why dentists take x-rays of their teeth, and the importance of brushing twice a day. The rhyming verse is fun to read out loud and the pictures are cheerful.
Never Take a Shark to the Dentist
A dental exam is not always a walk in the park for the dentist. Little patients may feel like they are the ones who are being tortured, but life isn't always easy for the dentist either! This humorous book looks at a the perils of cleaning a shark's teeth. There is also advice about other outlandish scenarios to avoid, like shopping for shoes with a centipede or holding hands with a lobster. The preposterous situations are made even funnier with the illustrations.
You Wouldn't Want to Live Without Dentists!
Before modern day dental technology, the only way to treat rotten teeth was to yank them out. Keep in mind that there was no anesthesia, no method for filling in cavities, and no effective toothpaste for preventing decay in the first place. Humorous cartoons with word bubbles add a light touch to this sensitive subject. There is also a lot of valuable information about how dentists today treat children without any pain or discomfort.
My Dentist, My Friend
Presenting the dentist as an ally and friend is an effective strategy for easing a child's nerves. This reassuring book walks readers through what they can expect during a typical dental check-up. It is a very direct, realistic story with a warm, friendly dentist who makes the child feel at ease throughout the whole process.
Elmo Visits the Dentist
Elmo has a gift of making everyone feel better during tough situations. In this story, the Big Bad Wolf has a toothache and is afraid of going to the dentist. Elmo, along with Miss Stella, accompanies the not-so-scary wolf to a sort-of-scary dental visit. Fortunately, this story has a very happy, pain-free ending. A solid, lengthy picture book for older kids who need to have a cavity filled or more extensive dental work.
An Amazing Journey Inside My Mouth
Told in first person, Josh is a four year old child who is visiting the dentist for the first time. With his favorite GI Joe toy in hand, he heads into the office. Dr. Gentle gives him a warm greeting, and the hygienist, Linda Sparkle, explains everything that is going to happen. At the end, Josh leaves feeling proud of his white teeth and relieved that getting his teeth cleaned was not so bad after all.
Best Dentist Books for Tweens
Chapter books for tweens about the dentist can take lots of interesting twists and turns. Scary storylines can tap into a reader's fear of the dentist. Funny novels can effectively intertwine a trip to the dentist with mishaps and silly escapades. And finally, some non-fiction chapter books give tween readers insight into a dentist's job and may even pique their interest in pursuing a dental profession in the future.
Demon Dentist
A mystery chapter book for independent readers who perhaps don't exactly love going to the dentist. Something strange is happening and Alfie is determined to get to the bottom of it. The tooth fairy seems to have been replaced by someone sinister. Instead of coins, children are finding slugs, spiders, and other horrible things under their pillows. Alfie is convinced the creepy new town dentist is behind it all, and despite his apprehension, he musters up the courage to schedule an appointment and confront the evil-doer.
Open Wide, Katie!
The Katie Woo chapter book series is great for independent readers ready to delve into short chapter books. In this cute story, Katie Woo take a trip to the local zoo and wonders how all the animals clean their teeth. When she visits her dental office, she is full of questions. Her dental hygienist does her best to respond. She also provides Katie with a secure and comfortable environment to have her own dental care performed.
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Kids Dentist Books Teach All about Oral Hygiene
Encouraging children to develop good oral hygiene from a young age will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Routines established in the morning when they wake up and before bedtime are crucial. As parents, we have a responsibility to assist and supervise until we feel certain our kids have mastered tooth brushing. This starts from the time the very first pearly white makes an appearance.
Kids' Dentist Books Are Helpful Tools
Going to the dentist routinely for exams and cleanings is also critical. Unfortunately, it's pretty common that young children are highly uncooperative during these visits, even to the point that some need to be sedated. For this reason, it is a great idea to read kids books about the dentist to help prepare them.
Aside from the obvious academic benefits of reading, children's books about the dentist are good resources for teaching them all the ways to take care of their teeth. For instance, reducing the amount of sugar consumed is a wise habit. Add some kids' books about eating healthy to reinforce the importance of staying away from junk food. A diet that includes too much soda and candy will contribute to tooth decay. Read all the kids' bubble gum books, but little ones should enjoy sugary treat on special occasions only. The dentist will talk to kids about how they can prevent cavities by making good food choices.
Next, be sure to read children's books about doctor visits so little readers will feel relaxed and know what to expect next time they need a physical or other medical care.
Toy Dentist Kits and Games
Imaginary play is fundamental to a child's growth and development. Unstructured time spent engaging in make-believe activities fosters a child's creativity and gives them a chance to learn outside the boundaries of school. Another important aspect of playtime is the therapeutic value. Little kids who are experiencing a case of anxiety or jitters can sometimes process these feelings through pretend play activities. So if your child is experiencing a case of jitters about going to the dentist, some of these pretend dental kits and toys may help.
Melissa & Doug Super Smile Dentist Kit
The oversized teeth are the main attraction in this 25-piece pretend dentist kit. Kids can provide a full range of services on these pearly whites, from cleaning to fitting with a retainer. A dry erase marker is included to mark tooth decay, which kids can then treat with extensive cleaning and maybe even an extraction or two.
Alligator Tooth Game
So many toys and games come with tons of little parts and complicated instructions. This one-piece alligator chomping game provides hours of entertainment without the headaches. Kids take turns pressing down on the teeth. One unlucky child will choose the wrong pearly white, causing the alligator's jaws to clench down in a startling movement. This game shows toddlers how the dentist feels every time a patient opens wide.
Play-Doh Drill and Fill Dentist Toy
This Play-Doh kit comes with ten dental tools, including a toothbrush, flosser, tweezers, and a pick. Kids can use the the tooth mold to make a whole row of teeth, create cavities, and then fill them in with special silver and gold Play-Doh colors. There are no limits to this dental toy where children will have fun brushing teeth, making braces, drilling out decay, and doing so much more.
It is never too soon to promote good dental hygiene. This soft and snuggly hippo is just the right size for babies and toddlers. It comes with a pearly white tooth that is really a rattle in disguise. And the adorable toothbrush crinkles when little hands grasp it.
Tips to Ease Your Child's Anxiety About the Dentist
Young toddlers and children will often experience anxiety and fear about the dentist, and when this happens, their behavior can greatly interfere with the dentist's ability to examine their teeth. Consider reading some kids' books about biting before the visit to remind your little ones not to chomp down while the dentist performing the examination.
Kids dentist books featuring familiar characters going to get their teeth cleaned is a good way to prepare your kids. Here are some other pointers to help make the visit go smoothly.
- Engage in pretend dental play with your child ahead of the visit. Go through all the basic parts of a routine dental exam like cleaning, flossing, checking for cavities and taking x-rays. If a child knows what to expect, the dental exam will be a piece of cake! A toy dental kit may be a good investment.
- Find a pediatric dentist with kid-friendly decor so that the child feels more at ease during the visit. Dentist offices that have fun waiting rooms filled with games and TVs playing children's shows are good distractions. Exam rooms with bright artwork and music can also be very helpful.
- Let your child bring a personal object to the dental visit, such as a special blanket or stuffed animal. Even if you typically don't allow their snuggly things to leave the house, you may want to make an exception for their first trip to the dentist.
- Make sure your child is well rested and has a full belly before the dental appointment. Don't schedule the visit during nap time or late in the day when young children are getting tired. Also, be sure not to head out to the dentist when your child is hungry. If a little kid is cranky, the visit will be more difficult than necessary.
- Acknowledge and validate their anxious feelings by listening generously to everything your child has to say and not dismissing their fears as silly or unfounded. Remember that there are plenty of adults who experience anxiety visiting the dentist, too. Let them know it's ok to be scared, but make sure to end the conversation on a positive note. Emphasize all the ways a dentist helps our teeth stay healthy, and that a short visit is a small price to pay for a beautiful smile.
- A little reward (bribery) can go a long way in helping your children get through the dental visit. Let your child choose a favorite restaurant where you can go grab a bite to eat after the appointment. You may even need to offer up shopping trip to pick out a small toy. Kids can focus on all the fun that awaits after they get through the dental examination and cleaning.
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