If your child feels anxious about an upcoming dental appointment, you might be looking for ways to help them understand the process and know what to expect. Luckily, this is a common problem for parents to deal with, so many authors have produced children’s books to walk kids through the whole experience from start to finish. This removes a lot of uncertainty from the process and helps kids feel more comfortable at the dentist’s office. Here’s a list of children’s books about the dentist’s office to help everyone in your household have a bit more peace of mind.
“The Crocodile and the Dentist” by Taro Gomi
Many people are afraid of seeing the dentist, but what if the dentist is scared of working on a patient with a mighty predator’s mouth full of sharp teeth? Taro Gomi wrote a book about how a crocodile has to overcome his fear of seeing the dentist while the dentist has to get over his fear of the crocodile. The result is a hilarious story about two individuals overcoming their fears of one another that shows how dentists are just normal people.
“Did Dinosaurs Have Dentists?” by Patrick O’Donnell
This colorful tale by Patrick O’Donnell follows a main character contemplating the most urgent questions about dinosaurs and how they practiced dental hygiene. It helps kids understand a few common terms about teeth and the dentist’s office while also treating them to a wealth of interesting dinosaur facts. This book will help quell your child’s dental anxiety while tickling their natural curiosity about dinosaurs.
“The Tooth Book” by Dr. Seuss
Few authors have charmed generations of children like Dr. Seuss, and this book is a great way to help kids understand the importance of excellent dental hygiene. While it doesn’t go into detail about what a dental appointment entails, it does teach valuable lessons about maintaining strong, healthy teeth and why regular dental visits are necessary.
“Doctor De Soto” by William Steig
Doctor De Soto is a dentist renowned for being so great at what he does that his patients experience no discomfort, and he just happens to be a mouse. However, he shows the depth of his character when a fox shows up at his office with an insufferable toothache. Doctor Do Soto treats this predator with compassion and competence, showing your child a positive view of dentistry from the beginning.
Children’s books are a great way to prepare kids for important events in their lives. Reading your child one or more of these suggestions can help remove some uncertainty about the dentist’s office so they can sit comfortably through the whole process.
About the Author
Dr. Linda Steele earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Baylor College of Dentistry and underwent a pediatric residency at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, MO. She is a proud member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Southwestern Society of Pediatric Dentistry. Her areas of expertise include pediatric preventive, restorative, and emergency dentistry. For more information on preparing your child for an upcoming dental visit, contact the office online or dial (972) 640-7432.