Let’s face it—visiting the dentist, even for routine preventive care, isn’t always the most enjoyable experience in the world. In fact, many people absolutely dread visiting the dentist—and this dental-related fear can impact adults and children alike! Fortunately, solutions like sedation dentistry usually provide the necessary amount of relief needed for anxious patients of any age to receive dental care. But did you know that certain books can also prove useful when it comes to inspiring children before visiting their dentist? Keep reading to learn more about a few children’s books that can help your little one feel confident and brave about their upcoming dental checkup.
The Crocodile and the Dentist by Taro Gomi
In this book, a young crocodile must learn to conquer his fear of the dentist—while the dentist must learn to conquer his fear of the crocodile! Your child will enjoy hearing both sides of this tale, and it also serves as a nice reminder that dentists aren’t meant to be scary or intimidating—they’re normal people with fears, too!
The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan & Jan Berenstain
This book tells the story of the famous Berenstain Bear’s trip to their dentist. It details a teeth cleaning and cavity check, so if your child is slated to undergo a similar treatment, this can easily help to squash their dental fears and give them a clear idea of what to expect.
Curious George Visits the Dentist by Margret & H.A. Rey
When Curious George discovers his first loose tooth, he and the man in the yellow hat find themselves visiting their dentist’s office. Despite his initial hesitation, George quickly learns that there’s nothing to be afraid of when it comes to dental work, and he ends up having a good (and mischievous) time!
Do Dinosaurs Have Dentists? by Patrick O’Donnell
In this colorful storybook, the main character ponders the dental hygiene habits of the dinosaurs that first roamed our planet millions of years ago. It includes a variety of common terms relating to teeth and dentistry and also incorporates many interesting facts about dinosaurs themselves.
The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss
This book is an excellent resource for teaching your child the importance of maintaining strong, healthy teeth. Even though it doesn’t detail the specifics of a dental visit like some of these other books, it reinforces the idea that regular dental checkups are fundamental for eating, talking, and smiling throughout life.
It’s perfectly normal for your child to have reservations about visiting the dentist—and oral healthcare might still seem a little overwhelming to them. That said, these books can certainly help your little one feel more comfortable and confident about being seated in their dentist’s chair when the time comes!
About the Practice
Here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re thrilled to provide families in the Clinton, MA community with exceptional pediatric dental care! Under the talented leadership of Dr. Myles Clancy and Dr. Sam Alkhoury, we’re excited to offer a wide range of services aimed at assisting children of all ages with their oral health. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit for your child, feel free to contact us online or by phone for assistance. Telephone: (978) 612-6222.