Top 9 children’s dental health books for your practice waiting room

Getting kids to care and understand the importance of their dental health isn’t easy. Most don’t look at their dental appointments as more than a chore.  So, how can you make it fun and a less scary experience? Get some literary help.

These are some of the best children’s books out there that make dental health and dental appointments fun, important, and reinforce that there’s nothing frightening about their regular dental check-up.

By Heidi Murkoff

With the help of Angus, the lovable Answer Dog, best-selling author Heidi Murkoff extends a hand to children and parents as they tackle life's first experiences together.

The Tooth Book: A Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums By Edward Miller

Full of straightforward advice and animated art, this guide provides accessible information about taking care of your teeth. The much-needed dental advice in this book is both timely and accessible to today's children.

The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist By Stan Berenstain

Sister Bear watches Dr. Bearson fill Brother Bear's small cavity. Then it's her turn in the chair to have a dangling baby tooth removed. It’s an entertaining read for preschoolers for a cheerful and informative visit to the dentist.  

Just Going to the Dentist By Mercer Mayer

Mercer Mayer's popular Little Critter is on his way to the dentist. It's a thorough check-up, complete with dental x-rays. When Dr. Ghum insists on filling a cavity, Little Critter goes through it bravely. The visit is painless to the reader because of Little Critter's funny, honest way of look at things -- including the world of dentistry.

Going to the Dentist (Usborne First Experiences) By Anne Civardi

This is a colorfully designed series to introduce young children to unfamiliar situations in an amusing and friendly way. Stickers can be used throughout the stories to replace key words and help children build their vocabulary.

Behold, No Cavities!: A Visit to the Dentist By Sarah Willson

SpongeBob can't wait for his six-month checkup at the dentist! That morning he discovers that not only has Patrick never gone to the dentist, but he's never even brushed his teeth. SpongeBob calls his dentist and gets Patrick an appointment that same day.

Show Me Your Smile!: A Visit to the Dentist  By Christine Ricci

It's time for Dora's checkup at the dentist. Dora explores the dentist's office, gets her teeth cleaned, and more.  

ABC Dentist: Healthy Teeth from A to Z By Harriet Ziefert

A trip to the dentist's office is easy once you know the ABCs of it. In this book, kids learn important words like 'appointment,''cavity,''plaque,' and 'x-ray.' Informative text and lively collage illustrations make this the perfect book to calm any child's fears about the dentist.

 By Pat Thomas

This story emphasizes the dentist's role as a friend and advisor who ensures that boys and girls have healthy teeth and attractive smiles.