The Best Dentist Books for Preschoolers
The Best Dentist Books For Preschoolers
Having a dental checkup for the first time and as a child can be a little scary. However it really doesn’t have to be and one way to prepare your child for a dental appointment is to read children’s books about visiting the dentist.
Today I am sharing 10 fantastic kids books which are all about going to the dentist. These are great books which your child will enjoy and can be read both in the home and in the preschool or kindergarten setting.
When Should Your Child See a Dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that a child should visit the dentist within 6 months of growing their first teeth.
An infant should have a checkup at least once by the time they are one years old and then every 6 to 12 months following.
Regular dental check ups for children can help to identify problems early and protect the baby teeth as the child grows and develops.
Finding a Kid Friendly Dentist
One of the important things to consider when signing your child up to a dentist is whether or not they are a kid friendly dentist!
What do we mean by Child Friendly Dentist?
Well a child friendly dentist would be a dental practice that specifically caters for young children or has policies and practices to help make dental treatments fun for kids.
Ask your Dental practice what they offer to make visiting the dentist fun for kids? Some dentists provide a new toothbrush, bravery stickers and have a play area in the reception.
Other Dental practices have kids books to children to read and some Dentists even have a specialised kids dental room with a child friendly design to help make the experience more comfortable for little ones.
How Do I Prepare My Child for a First Dental Visit?
There are several things you can do to help prepare your child for a dental visit. Reading books and watching a video about visiting the dentist can be helpful.
Other things you may want to try could include:
- Scheduling the appointment at a good time for your child. If your little one has a nap in the afternoon the plan the appointment in the morning when they are awake and happy.
- Talk to the Dentist before your visit to discuss any concerns. This can be helpful and it’s better to talk about concerns in private rather than in front of the kids.
- Encourage your child to look after and brush their teeth morning and night so the dentist can see how well they are looking after their teeth.
- Give lots of positive praise and encouragement and consider role playing a visit to the dentist beforehand.
Themed Dentist Children’s Books
Reading a dentist children’s book can help little ones to be prepared for their dental appointment as they learn about what happens when the character in the story books visits the Dentist.
The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist
This fantastic book shares an experience of visiting the dentist as a child (a bear cub) and that it really is not such a scary thing.
Peppa Pig visits the Dentist with her Mum and little brother George. It’s George’s first visit to the dentist and he is a little nervous.
Curious George Visits the Dentist
George has a wobbly tooth and need to visit the Dentist. In this story George is nervous about visiting the Dentist for the first time and this engaging story shows that a dental appointment is not so bad after all!
First Time Dentist is a great Dentist children’s book to use in preparation for a dental appointment. You can talk about the visit and discuss any questions your little one may have.
In this book, little critter visits the Dental surgery and finds out that a visit to the dentist is really not that bad after all.
Open Wide: Tooth School Inside
Open wide is a great book to encourage children to brush their teeth regular, so they have healthy gums and clean teeth when visiting the Dentist for a check up.
Dora Goes to the Doctor & Dora Goes to the Dentist
Follow Dora as she visits the Dentist and has a check up. This is a fun adventure and again teaches children not to worry about visiting the Dentist for the first time.
This is a great book to discuss with little ones why we go to the dentist and the importance of looking after their teeth.
Going to the Dentist is a fun book full of lovely illustrations and shows a visit to the dentist and what the dentist does to fill a cavity.
Brush Brush Brush is a fun book for toddlers about brushing your teeth and keeping them clean for your dental appointment.
Dentist Arts and Crafts for Preschoolers
The following dentist arts and crafts are great for preschoolers and kindergarten kids. These dentist themed crafts can help little ones to feel more comfortable about visiting the dentist and will help them to look after and brush their teeth regular!
Enjoy These Dentist Crafts for Kids
Puffy Paint Dental Craft For Kids
Brush Your Teeth Preschool Craft
First Dentist Appointment Model Mouth
You might also want to try drawing a huge tooth on a piece of paper and getting the kids to stick cotton balls on it. That would make a great tooth craft and who doesn’t love a bit of sticking and gluing!
More fun book lists for kids:
- Books That teach about Siblings
- Dr Seuss Books For Kids
- Children’s Books About Princesses
- The Best Books About Sharks
- The Best Monster Books For Kids
- Books About Caterpillars
- The Best Rhyming Books For Kids
- The Best Summer Books For Kids
- Insect Books For Preschoolers
- Toddler Books For Little Ones To Read
- Books About Body Parts And Anatomy
Angela Milnes is a Qualified Early Years Teacher who has specialised in Preschool and Kindergarten teaching. She has a wealth of experience teaching young children and is passionate about kids crafts and having fun as a family. Angela has also taught cooking skills and loves to share both family recipes and easy crafts here on The Inspiration Edit. Follow her on Pinterest!