15 Children’s Books to Ease Anxiety About the Dentist
Going to the dentist – or a new dentist – for the first time can be scary for a child. One of the ways many professionals suggesting easing the anxiety of the inaugural dental trip is to read books about the dentist, what to expect, and who and what they may see. Just to create an expectation, and to make it seem less intimidating. There are so many good kids’ books out there, and here are our top 15 favorites:
- Just Going to the Dentist by Mercer May. This little critter is getting X-rays, a teeth cleaning, and more. A heartwarming story that will eliminate all fears and make a dental trip sound routine – and fun!
- Visit the Dentist (The Berenstain Bears) by Stan and Jan Berenstain. Your favorite family of bears is off to the dentist! Learn about all of the different tools the dentist uses and educate your child on the need to check for cavities.
- The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss. Your little one will learn how to take care of their teeth and all of the many uses of teeth. This rhyming tale will be sure to make your little one laugh!
- What to Expect When You go to the Dentist by Heidi Murkoff. Angus, the Answer Dog, will guide your child through their first trip to the dentist! Things like “opening up wide” and showing the dentist your teeth will become a little more comfortable and less scary for your little one.
- Do I Have to go to the Dentist? A First Look at Going to the Dentist by Pat Thomas. Thomas helps frame the dentist as a friend versus a scary medial figure, making your child feel more comfortable with their impending trip. 6
- Going to the Dentist (Usborne First Experiences) by Anne Civardi. The Judd siblings, Jake and Jessi, are off to the dentist for the first time. They explain everything that’s going on and what they’re seeing – just to give your little one a sneak peek at what’s inside a dentist office in preparation for their first trip.
- My Dentist, My Friend by P.K. Hallinan. Your child will be reassured that the dentist is their friend – and a trip to the dentist office isn’t so bad after all!
- The Crocodile and the Dentist by Tarō Gomi. A little bit of humor goes a long way – and this book absolutely nailed it. When the dentist was equally as scared as the patient, the alligator, there are many laughs to be had. In the end, opening up wide and getting a teeth cleaning was a pain-free experience for everyone!
- Peppa Pig: Dentist Trip by Mark Baker and Neville Astley. George is taking his first trip to the dentist and he’s a little scared! Big sister, Peppa, shows him that the dentist isn’t so bad after all.
- Let’s Meet a Dentist by Bridget Heos. Doctor Florez will answer all of the questions her curious first-time visitors have about the dentist office.
- ABC Dentist by Harriet Ziefert. Not only will your child learn about keeping teeth nice and white, but they will also learn about dental tools like bibs, x-ray machines, lights, and more. Things that may seem scary will become stress-free.
- Off We go to the Dentist by Avril Webster. Envision each step of the dental trip with this adorable book following a young girl on her first trip to the dentist.
- Show Me Your Smile!: A Visit to the Dentist (Dora Explorer) by Christine Ricci Dora is off to explore the dentist – and erase all of your little one’s fears.
- Celebrate! Going to the Dentist by Sophia Day and Megan Johnson. This step-by-step story of what goes on at the dentist will ease anxiety and create more realistic expectations for your child’s first big trip to the dentist.
- Dentists and What They Do by Liesbet Slegers. From brushing their teeth, to going to the dentist occasionally, this cute story will warm your child up to the idea of letting the dentist check their teeth for cavities. Whether you have a 2-year old or 3-year old who is visiting the dentist for the first time, or you have a slightly older child who is dealing with their first cavity and are scared, the books above can help ease the stress and anxiety about the dentist that understandably haunts children. If you are in the Brooklyn, NY area and looking for the best kids’ dentist around, Dr. Yury Slepak, Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, at 2464 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11223 would love to help guide you and keep your child’s smile healthy! Call 718-998-2424 to schedule your child’s appointment today!