Books open a world of imagination for young minds. With millions of stories waiting to be told, they can generate smiles and laughter with every turn of the page. They can even turn fears into fun by taking certain topics and making them interesting and exciting. This is especially true when it comes to the issue of dental anxiety. If you have a child who is nervous about visiting the dentist’s office, try introducing them to the following books to help them feel more comfortable about their upcoming appointment.
What Causes Dental Anxiety in Children?
Dental anxiety is not something that only develops in children. Adults can also experience its effects; however, young patients often do not know how to properly handle their feelings or emotions when it comes to visiting the dentist’s office.
This kind of nervousness and fear can stem from:
- Past trauma at a previous dental practice
- A sensitive gag reflex
- The uncertainty surrounding the sights, smells, and sounds of a dentist’s office
- The inability to remain still in the dentist’s chair
- A dislike of being poked or prodded
- A fear of needles
How Can Books Help?
Whether it’s your child’s first or tenth visit, helping them feel more at ease is essential. One of the most widely recommended ways to reduce dental anxiety in children is through books. Many authors have written about visits to the dentist and other similar themes to help little ones feel braver and more confident.
Some of these include:
- The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan & Jan Berenstain
- The Crocodile and the Dentist by Taro Gomi
- What to Expect When You Go to the Dentist by Heidi Murkoff
- The Tooth Book: A Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums by Edward Miller
- Celebrate! Going to the Dentist by Sophia Day
- My Dentist, My Friend by P.K. Hallinan
- Did Dinosaurs Have Dentists? By Patrick O’Donnell
- The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss
The beloved characters found in these books tell a different story, but each offers children a chance to learn more about dental health, why it’s important, and what makes visiting the dentist so exciting. By taking the worry out of the equation, kids remain more focused on the positive aspects of these appointments.
Don’t let your little one continue to worry about visiting the dentist. By introducing them to a few of the books listed, you’ll watch their uncertainty slowly fade away.
About the Author
Dr. Meghan Thorburn is a pediatric dentist who completed dental school at UT Houston. With nearly a decade of experience, she enjoys helping young patients feel good about visiting the dentist’s office. Recognizing the reality of dental anxiety among little ones, she and our team at Trinity Pediatric Dentistry recommend kid-friendly books that change the narrative on visiting the dentist’s office. Instead of making it a scary or worrisome event, these stories can help children get excited about taking care of their teeth and gums as well as viewing their dentist as their friend. If you would like some book recommendations to prepare your child, visit our website or call (682) 207-6390 to learn how we can help.