10 More Books to Read to Your Child About Going to the Dentist

two girl patients reading a book

Going to the Dentist Doesn’t Have to Be Scary

Children learn about the world about them through their loved ones and peers, their own experiences, and imagery. A good book can set the tone for their imagination and make their first visit to the dentist an exciting event! Heighten their excitement or calm the qualm with a loveable book.

There are hundreds of books especially for children about oral health and why going to the dentist is important. A lot of them use characters that children know and love, like Curious George, Peppa Pig, and even SpongeBob SquarePants.

Regardless of your child’s age, there’s a book that will get them excited about going to the dentist. Who knows, one or two might even convince you that it’s not so bad.

Here is our handy list of 10 more books that will make going to the dentist fun.

1. Dentist (First Time)

Author: Jess Stockham

Because of its conversational tone and fun illustrations, this is the perfect book for children visiting the dentist for the very first time. Author Jess Stockham encourages your child to ask loads of questions, which helps them understand what it will be like and what they can expect.

2. Open Wide: Tooth School Inside

Author: Laura Keller

Dr. Flossman and his new class that includes 12 molars, eight premolars, eight incisors, four canines, and four wisdom teeth will have your children laughing out loud. “Open Wide: Tooth School Inside” is really funny but still has exciting teeth facts and lessons about the importance of looking after your teeth. This book comes highly recommended.

3. Curious George Visits the Dentist

Author: H. A. Rey

Who doesn’t love Curious George? In this book, George bites into a wax apple and hurts his tooth. The man with the yellow hat takes our favorite monkey off to the dentist, but it’s his first visit, and he’s really nervous. “Curious George Visits the Dentist” includes fun activities as well as a sticker sheet you can use to reward good oral care or visits to the dentist.

4. Dentist Trip (Peppa Pig)

By: Scholastic

This book is based on the much-loved TV character, Peppa Pig. Peppa Pig’s brother George is going for his very first dentist visit, and he’s a little nervous. “Dentist Trip” is interactive and educational, and helps children understand what they can expect at the dentist. It also encourages your little ones to start reading on their own.

5. Maisy, Charley, and the Wobbly Tooth

Author: Lucy Cousins

Because of a wobbly tooth, Charley needs to go to the dentist. Of course, it’s his first time, but his friends Maisy, Eddie, Cyril, and Tallulah are more than happy to go with him. What they all thought would be a horrible experience turns into a fun trip, with lots of new discoveries. This is a great book for the whole family, especially if you’re already a fan of Maisy.

6. Behold, No Cavities!: A Visit to the Dentist (SpongeBob SquarePants)

Author: Sarah Willson

Even sponges need to visit the dentist, and SpongeBob does so regularly. His friend Patrick, however, has never been, in fact, he doesn’t even brush his teeth! True to form, this SpongeBob book is filled with humor and fun illustrations. Children of all ages will love this book, and you will too.

7. Just Going to the Dentist

Author: Mercer Mayer

Little Critter doesn’t just go to the dentist in this book, he even gets a filling. “Just Going to the Dentist” helps children understand that dentist visits aren’t as scary as they imagine. This is a firm favorite with parents as it prepares children for their first visit to the dentist.

8. Doctor de Soto

Author: William Steig

Never mind being a great book about a trip to the dentist, “Doctor de Soto” is a great book, full stop. Written by William Steig (the same author who wrote “Shrek!”), it puts an entirely unique spin on visiting the dentist and will become a favorite for the entire family.

9. Make Your Way for Tooth Decay

Author: Bobbi Katz

“Make Your Way for Tooth Decay” teaches children about bacteria, tooth decay, and what can be done to keep teeth and gums healthy. What makes this book different is that it’s told from the perspective of the bacteria. The rhyming text makes it easy to read, and the illustrations add to the book’s humor.

10. Throw Your Tooth on the Roof: Tooth Traditions from Around the World

Author: Selby Beeler

While this isn’t necessarily a book about visiting the dentist, it is filled with interesting, and often surprising, things children around the world do when they lose their first tooth. “Throw Your Tooth on the Roof” teaches children and parents about diversity and different cultures in a fun and humorous way.

If your little one dreads the idea of a trip to the dentist, Pediatric Dental Specialists of Greater Nebraska might be the answer. With practices in Hastings, Grand Island, North Platte, and Omaha, they are experts in pediatric dentistry, including baby wellness and dental care for children with special health care needs.

Our happy little patients and their parents have loads to smile about.

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