Great Books To Read Before Your Child's First Dental Visit
Your child’s first visit will help him or her to get used to visiting the dentist’s office and become comfortable with the experience. Over time, the team will ease your child into a regular visit routine, so they’ll know what to expect. The earlier you start the process of bringing your child to the dentist’s office, the better. Here is a great list of books to read to your children before their visit to the dentist!
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Read Children's Books About Going to the Dentist
Here is a great list of books to read before your child’s first dental visit! You know what your child will respond to, so pick from this list to help you share some positive stories about the dentist.
- Mercery Myer – Just Going to the Dentist
- Anne Civardi – Going to the Dentist (see below for a video read-aloud!)
- Marc Brown – Arthur’s Tooth
- PK Hallinan – My Dentist, My Friend
- Robert Munsch – Andrew’s Loose Tooth
- Paulette Bougeois – Franklin and the Tooth Fairy
- Mary W. Olson – Nice Try, Tooth Fairy
- Sleby B. Beeler – Throw Your Teeth on the Roof: Traditions from Around the World
- Hope Martin – What Does the Tooth Fairy Do with All Those Teeth?
- William Steig – Doctor De Soto
- Stan Berenstain – The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist
Casey Newmann – Chase’s Loose Tooth!
Children's Dentistry Books FAQs
Reading books to children before going to the dentist can help alleviate their fears and anxieties associated with the dental visit. It gives them a sense of familiarity and understanding of what to expect, easing their apprehension. Additionally, children’s books often present dental experiences positively and engagingly, offering them reassurance and encouragement. This pre-dental reading ritual helps calm their nerves and promotes a positive attitude towards oral health care, making the dental visit a more pleasant experience for both the child and the dentist.
To ease your child’s nerves before going to the dentist, start by discussing the visit positively and reassuringly, emphasizing the importance of dental care for their health. Read children’s books about visiting the dentist together to familiarize them with the experience and address any questions or concerns they may have. Encourage open communication and validate their feelings, reassuring them that it’s normal to feel nervous but that the dentist is there to help keep their smile healthy and pain-free.
Consider scheduling a pre-visit to the dental office to familiarize your child with the environment and meet the staff, helping alleviate anxiety on the appointment day. Additionally, offer a small reward or incentive for their bravery to make the experience more positive and encouraging.
Early adoption of good oral hygiene practices, such as consistent brushing and flossing, can help prevent dental anxiety in children by lowering their risk of dental issues and minimizing invasive procedures. Encouraging open communication about dental visits and addressing any fears or concerns they may have can also help alleviate anxiety. Familiarizing children with the dental environment through books, videos, or pre-visit tours can make the experience less intimidating. Additionally, emphasizing the importance of dental care and praising their bravery during dental visits can boost their confidence and reduce anxiety over time.