Our 10 Favorite Children’s Books About Going to the Dentist
These popular children’s books can make going to the dentist exciting.
Spaceships, princesses, castles…the dentist?
Your child’s favorite books are packed with adventure. They’re dramatic, exciting, and help them escape to faraway lands where talking dragons are real and fairies exist. One land they might not want to escape to? The dentist’s office!
It’s no secret that going to the dentist can be a little intimidating for your youngest ones. Their big imaginations can go into overdrive, especially when they don’t know what to expect.
Thankfully, there are plenty of books about going to the dentist you can read to your child to take the fear and anticipation out of the experience. When you “speak their language” in this way, you can relate to them on their level and open their eyes to how much fun their visit can be!
Looking for a few new favorites to add to their nightstand? Today, we’re sharing 10 of our favorites, so let’s turn the page!
1. Dora Goes to the Doctor/Dora Goes to the Dentist
Chances are your kids already love following Dora and her pal Boots on their action-packed adventures. Now, they can tag along as she explores two new territories! Dora Goes to the Dentist/Dora Goes to the Doctor is the two-in-one book they need to conquer their fears.
As with all of the books in this series, the reader becomes a major character in these stories. Your children will love answering Dora as she asks them to “Open wide!” and pick out different tools in the office.
2. ABC Dentist
Have you been fielding a million questions about what to expect at the dentist?
ABC Dentist provides an in-depth guide to every detail under the sun, all the way from “Appointment” to “X-ray”. Best suited for kids who are a little older with a longer attention span, it’s an excellent resource to keep on hand for the entire family.
3. Just Going to the Dentist
The Little Critters series has cemented its place as a beloved staple of children’s literature. Mercer Mayer’s lovable, fuzzy family navigates everything from bullying to gardening with sweet humor and poignant lessons. The trend continues with the book about Just Going to the Dentist.
Join Little Critter as he goes to the dentist, learns he has a cavity, and navigates the steps that follow. Kids will especially enjoy the way he describes his numb mouth!
4. Vera Goes to the Dentist
If you’re a parent of multiple children, you know that even if the big kids have already tackled the dentist’s chair, your youngest ones can still be a little nervous. In Vera Goes to the Dentist, the protagonist is in the same boat—but she’s wearing her special cowgirl skirt and putting on a brave face anyway!
While this book doesn’t go into as much detail about what actually happens in the dental chair (much of the action takes place in the waiting room), it’s a great addition to your collection.
5. Curious George Visits the Dentist
Is there any experience that quirky little George can’t make more exciting? The always-interesting little monkey gets himself into the craziest situations, and his trip to the dentist is no exception. One of the funniest books on our list, Curious George Visits the Dentist begins when George feels his tooth loosen after biting into an apple.
With the help of The Man in the Yellow Hat, George navigates his first visit to the dentist with confidence and, of course, plenty of curiosity.
6. What to Expect When You Go to the Dentist
Did you devour What to Expect When You’re Expecting? If so, you’ll love this children’s book by the same author.
What to Expect When You Go to the Dentist takes an engaging and informative look at this experience through the sweet and unassuming eyes of Angus the Answer Dog. Always quick with an idea, Angus offers a story or game to play at every part of the process, helping kids and parents alike.
7. My Dentist, My Friend
While some of the children’s dentist books on this list briefly touch on the less fun aspects of pediatric dentistry, such as fillings, cavities, and tooth pulling, you’ll find none of that in My Dentist, My Friend. Rather, this book focuses strictly on the most fun and exciting parts of the experience only!
For that reason, it’s especially soothing and reassuring if your child is experiencing severe anxiety about his or her first visit.
8. Doctor De Soto
Yes, Doctor De Soto is one of the most popular children’s books about going to the dentist. Yet, it’s also one of the most revered books of its kind in general, receiving a Newbery Medal in 1983. Written by William Steig, the mastermind behind the Shrek! book that launched a mega-franchise, the book is named for the main character, a dentist who also happens to be a mouse.
What will Doctor De Soto do when a fox (who has a penchant for eating mice) shows up with a toothache? The answer puts a funny spin on fears at the dentist and how to overcome them.
9. The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist
Like the Little Critters, the Berenstain Bears are another classic literary family that lives in the woods.
In The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist, beloved Brother Bear and Sister Bear head for their checkups together. Brother has a small cavity, and Sister has to have a loose tooth pulled. Focused on the preschool age range, it’s a fun and light-hearted read that will leave your kids feeling confident about their own upcoming visit!
10. The Crocodile and the Dentist
What if, instead of being terrified to visit the dentist, your dentist was afraid to see you? The Crocodile and the Dentist explores what happens when a sharp-tooth reptile shows up for an appointment!
Both a little fearful and not sure what to expect, the two characters learn from and help each other through the experience. Your little reader will walk away understanding the importance of empathy and regular dental care.
Going to the dentist can be an adventure.
Storytime is an excellent opportunity to bond with your children and discover new ideas. It can also open the door to more thorough discussions on important issues, questions, and concerns. If your child is feeling uneasy about going to the dentist, any of the books on this list can help quell those fears.
Reading opens our mind, and in this case, it can also ease it.
Need another reason to initiate this discussion today? We’d love to see you!
At Pediatric Dental Specialists of Greater Nebraska, we offer a kid-friendly experience from beginning to end. Our staff is engaging, informative, and specially trained to handle your child’s emotions toward this new experience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and let’s go on this adventure together!