Let’s be honest, getting a child excited about the dentist is a bit like convincing them broccoli is dessert. Not impossible, but it takes a little creativity. The good news? Books have a magical way of opening minds where simple explanations fall short.
Reading picture books about dental visits helps kids understand what to expect, manage their anxiety, and maybe even look forward to their next check-up. Here are seven delightful, dentist-themed books that calm fears, teach healthy habits, and make oral care fun.
1. “Just Going to the Dentist” by Mercer Mayer
Little Critter is off to the dentist and even gets a filling with no fuss. This gentle, relatable story is perfect for preschoolers navigating their first visit.
2. “The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist” by Stan & Jan Berenstain
Brother and Sister Bear head to Dr Bearson’s office. One has a loose tooth, and the other a cavity. The story presents the dentist as friendly and professional, helping normalise the experience.
3. “Peppa Pig: Dentist Trip” by Scholastic
Ideal for toddlers, Peppa helps her little brother George feel brave about seeing the dentist. Bright illustrations and simple language make this book especially reassuring.
4. “Daniel Goes to the Dentist” by Alexandra Cassel Schwartz
Daniel Tiger delivers gentle guidance and emotional support in this story for ages 3–5. Based on the beloved TV series, it includes familiar songs and phrases to ease dental fears.
5. “Open Wide: Tooth School Inside” by Laurie Keller
Not a dentist visit story, but a hilarious deep dive into tooth care, narrated by talking teeth. Kids love the humour and learn plenty of fun facts along the way.
6. “Doctor De Soto” by William Steig
Doctor De Soto is a mouse who treats animals much bigger than himself, even a sly fox. This story is clever, entertaining, and subtly reminds us of the dentist’s role in helping others.
7. “The Tooth Book” by Dr Seuss (and Theo. LeSieg)
A rhyming celebration of teeth. While it doesn’t address fear directly, it turns dental care into an imaginative adventure, perfect for making oral hygiene exciting.
Pro Tip: Read Before the Visit
Don’t wait until the night before the appointment. Start reading these books early. Repetition builds familiarity, and familiarity builds confidence.
Looking to reinforce good habits between visits? While Dent & Go doesn’t yet have a children’s line, their eco-friendly, gentle oral care options are great for setting a positive example at home.
Healthy teeth start with healthy habits, and sometimes, just the right story.