Do you remember your first trip to the dentist’s office as a child? It can be a pretty nerve-wracking experience, especially if you have an anxious or sensitive kiddo. Fortunately, pediatric dentists are trained to help kids feel more relaxed, so you can be sure your little one will be in good hands during their checkup.
But if you’d like to help ease their fears in the days leading up to their appointment, try using the power of reading! These books can give your child an idea of what to expect and show them that visiting the dentist isn’t so bad after all.
The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist
Stan and Jan Berenstain’s series is quite popular, so you might recognize these lovable bears or even this specific story. You and your child will see Dr. Bearson fill Brother Bear’s cavity, gently remove Sister Bear’s baby tooth, and disprove a certain rumor that dental visits are painful.
The Crocodile and the Dentist
It turns out that crocodiles can be afraid of the dentist, too! As you might imagine, the theme of The Crocodile and the Dentist is overcoming dental anxiety. But this tale told by Taro Gomi includes a surprise twist: the dentist is also afraid of his crocodile patient. It’s a good reminder that dentists are just normal people, not scary villains with bad intentions.
The Tooth Book
Few stories are as memorable as a Dr. Seuss classic. Put to rhythmic poetry, The Tooth Book walks children through oral care and child-friendly dental facts. It’s a great way to familiarize your little one with their teeth, and a perfect segway into talking about how their dentist will help take care of them.
Dentist Trip (Peppa Pig)
If you’d like a book that has characters your child is more likely to recognize, why not turn to Peppa Pig? In this heartwarming story, Peppa is the one comforting her little brother, George, during his first dental visit. A few wise words from an older sister figure can go a long way. Plus, this book comes with stickers!
Books offer a safe space for your child to explore new experiences like going to the dentist. Seeing a character brave a scary situation helps them know that everything will be alright, and if the character can do it, well then maybe they can, too! So get cozy, grab a book, and spend some quality time with your little one.
About the Practice
Dr. Michael Royse and Dr. Andrea Beltzner are board-certified pediatric dentists with plenty of experience treating young patients. They know some children come into the office feeling uncomfortable or scared, and know how to reassure them and provide gentle care. For more information about pediatric dentistry or how you can help ease your child’s nerves, call Dr. Royse and Dr. Beltzner’s office at 503-640-6565.