As a parent, teaching your child about what happens at the dentist may feel complicated or stressful. The last thing you want to do is scare them, but having a stranger poke around in your mouth doesn’t exactly sound comfortable. Thankfully, there are a lot of resources that can make your job easier. Here are 4 children’s books about going to the dentist that can help your child feel less anxious about their appointment.
#1: Doctor De Soto by William Steig
This cute children’s book is about a mouse dentist with a kind heart. His patients never feel any pain during their appointments because of his expertise. When a “dangerous” fox shows up with a toothache, the De Sotos don’t have the heart to turn him away and help him as they would any other patient. Doctor De Soto shows your child that dental checkups are nothing to worry about and that dentists are caring and compassionate people.
#2: My Dentist, My Friend by P.K. Hallinan
This lighthearted, colorful book portrays “scary” dentists as friends and lets your child know what they can expect during their dental appointments. Your child will know that their dentist is on their side and wants what is best for them.
#3: The Crocodile and the Dentist by Tarō Gomi
In a fun twist, The Crocodile and the Dentist depicts both the crocodile and the dentist as equally scared of their dental appointment! Your child will love hearing both sides of the story, and this humorous story is perfect for reminding them their dentist is also a normal person capable of fear and anxiety. In the end, however, everyone is safe and happy, and the book encourages regular dentist visits.
#4: Daniel Goes to the Dentist by Alexandra Cassel Schwartz
As it turns out, even a strong predator like a tiger can have fears too! Daniel Tiger is a little nervous about going to the dentist, but when he arrives, Dr. Plat explains everything she is doing along the way, removing the mystery of each step. This book portrays dentists as kind and patient and lets your child know exactly what they can expect at their next checkup.
If you’re having trouble introducing the idea of going to the dentist to your child, these books can be an exciting way to engage and educate them about their appointment!
About the Practice
At Glen Ellyn Pediatric Dentistry, we have a team of board-certified pediatric dentists ready to protect and preserve your child’s smile. Our practice has been providing high-quality, personalized dental care in a gentle, warm environment for over 30 years. Our goal is for our patients to develop and maintain a positive association with dental care that will have lifelong benefits. If your child is struggling with dental anxiety, we can help. Contact our team through our website or by phone at (630) 858-8755.