We all know that looking after our children’s teeth (and our own!) is right at the top of the list of super important parental tasks. We’ve nailed the brushing and we talk about good dental habits, but what about going to the dentist? That can be scary, even for parents!
Reading stories about what to expect can help make that first trip to the dentist a whole less scary for everyone. We’ve found 17 fantastic books about visiting the dentist that will banish the dental demons and turn your child into the perfect patient.
So, grab a book and make an appointment today (that goes for you too!)
All together
We’re Going to the Dentist by Marion Cocklico
This engaging story is filled with interactive flaps as children explore the waiting room, experience the dentist’s chair and learn essential tooth-brushing techniques.
Wobble wobble
Maisy Goes to the Dentist by Lucy Cousins
Everyone’s favourite mouse Maisy helps her friend Charley navigate his wobbly tooth worries with the help of Dr. Biteright, the friendly dentist, bringing smiles back to everyone’s faces in this reassuring tale of dental adventures.
Ahh!
Don’t Scare the Dentist by Sam Smith
Dr. Charlie’s greatest fear is… treating a child in his dental chair! This picture book will have your little reader ready to help their dentist become less fearful of children (while teaching them how to care for their teeth between visits).
‘Twas the night…
The Night Before the Dentist by Natasha Wing
There’s nothing quite like the tooth-brushing adventure the night before a dentist appointment, ensuring your smile shines brightly. This story explores the wonders of the dentist’s office in this delightful tale of dental hygiene and childhood excitement.
It’s all okay
Ellie Visits the Dentist by Kate Specht
This story shares Ellie’s journey from fear to reassurance as she discovers that dental care can be fun and the dentist’s office isn’t as scary as she thought, offering a heartwarming tale for children navigating their first dental experiences
Even sharks get scared
The Dolphin Dentist by Cheryl DaVeiga
Fearless Flossy, a nervous shark, and Dr. Dribble, a dentist dolphin with fears of his own, embark on a courageous underwater journey, teaching young readers about bravery and friendship amidst dental anxieties.
Do I have to?
Do I Have to Go to the Dentist? by Pat Thomas
Visits to the dentist might seem scary, but in this delightful story, little ones learn that dentists are like friendly advisors, helping them maintain healthy smiles while also encouraging open conversations about their feelings with trusted adults.
Let’s go!
I’m Going to the Dentist by Peppermint Content
Join George on his first trip to the dentist and discover how he handles new experiences in this reassuring activity book about going to your first dentist visit.
I had my first checkup
Suzie Goes to the Dentist by Charlotte Olson
Follow Suzie and her family on their bus ride to the dentist, where she learns about the importance of regular check-ups, overcomes her worries, and earns a shiny sticker for her clean and healthy teeth!
Peppa does it
Peppa Pig: Dentist Trip by Scholastic
If Peppa can do it, then you can too! This is an essential read for any Peppa fans (do non-Peppa fans exist?!) before that first visit.
For first timers
Going to the Dentist by Anne Civardi
This book makes going to the dentist all about fun and will help your little one enter and exit the dentist smiling (with perfect teeth of course!)
What to expect when you’re…
Going to the Dentist by Roderick Hunt & Annemarie Young
Part of a fantastic series created to help teach kids about first time experiences, this one is chock full of facts and fun about visiting the dentist.
Talking about teeth
First Time Dentist by Jess Stockham
With lovely illustrations, this charming book is a great conversation starter and will help to deal with any concerns before the funny glasses go on in the dentist’s chair!
Going to the dentist is easy
Just Going to the Dentist by Mercer Mayer
It’s normal to be a little nervous, but just like Little Critter, your dental debutante will find it’s not so bad after all!
Don’t be scared Melvin
Melvin Goes to the Dentist by Sara Cremeno & Colleen Genest
Written for children with special needs or anxieties, this sweet read takes the uncertainty out of going to the dentist and reassures little ones before they take that big step.
Grin and bear it
The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan & Jan Berenstain
Brother bear gets a filling and sister bear has a wobbly tooth! There’s a ton of family fun for the Berenstain bears when they visit the dentist.
George is curious about the dentist
Curious George Visit the Dentist by Margaret & H.A. Reys
Poor old George bites into an apple made of wax and ends up with a sore tooth – ouch! The man in the yellow hat takes him to the dentist where he learns a lot about looking after his teeth. Served with a side of George-style mayhem of course!
Know a book about visiting the dentist to add to our list? Contact us and let us know, we’ve been curating Australia’s best baby products into helpful lists for over 16 years and we’re always happy to support new brands and businesses.
Read next …
- 14 Kids Toothpaste Brands Safe Enough to Eat
- What You Need To Know About Baby Teeth Grinding
- 13 Tooth Fairy Boxes That Keep Baby Teeth Safe
- Q&A: Does Thumb-Sucking Impact Teeth And Speech?
Ask other mums
Looking for more book recommendations and still not sure if any of these are right for you? Join the huge Grapeviner community in one of our private Facebook Due Date Groups and ask thousands of other mums due at the same time as you which ones they recommend. Join today!
We want you to know
We’re Mum’s Grapevine, a team of mums who’ve been there and done that (we have a combined 19 kids, so we know a thing or two about parenting!). We’ve been writing about all things baby and parenting for over 16 years, and we’re passionate about helping new mums find the best products for their little ones.
Sometimes, we do include paid inclusions in our reviews, but we promise that we only recommend products that we truly believe in and have either used or personally seen. Our goal is to give you, our Grapeviner mums, the inside scoop on the latest and greatest parenting products, and we’re always striving to maintain our high standards of quality and honesty. See our Disclosure Policy.
Thanks for trusting us to be your go-to source for all things baby-related!
xoxo