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Quick answer: The best children’s books about going to the dentist walk kids through a checkup step by step so the chair, the tools and the bright light feel familiar. Top picks include The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist, Curious George Visits the Dentist, Daniel Goes to the Dentist, Just Going to the Dentist, The Tooth Book and Doctor De Soto.
A first dental visit can feel scary for a little one. There’s a strange chair that moves, a bright light, a stranger with gloves and tools that buzz. Most of that fear comes from not knowing what will happen. Reading about the dentist ahead of time takes away the surprise. When kids watch a favorite character open wide, count teeth and get a sticker at the end, they know what to expect and can even look forward to it. Here are 15 books we trust, from board books for toddlers to funny stories that make brushing and flossing feel like an adventure.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Book | Author | Ages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist | Stan and Jan Berenstain | 3–7 | First checkup |
| Curious George Visits the Dentist | Margret and H.A. Rey | 3–7 | Familiar character |
| Daniel Goes to the Dentist | Becky Friedman | 2–5 | Toddlers |
| Just Going to the Dentist | Mercer Mayer | 3–6 | Cavities |
| Peppa Pig: Dentist Trip | Ladybird | 2–5 | Peppa fans |
| The Tooth Book | Dr. Seuss | 3–7 | Rhyming fun |
| Show Me Your Smile! | Christine Ricci | 3–6 | Dora fans |
| Open Wide: Tooth School Inside | Laurie Keller | 4–8 | How teeth work |
| Brush, Brush, Brush! | Alicia Padrón | 1–3 | Babies and brushing |
| Pony Brushes His Teeth | Michael Dahl | 1–4 | Bedtime routine |
| Brush Your Teeth, Please | Leslie McGuire | 2–5 | Pop-up fun |
| Bear’s Loose Tooth | Karma Wilson | 3–6 | Losing teeth |
| Doctor De Soto | William Steig | 4–8 | Classic story |
| Throw Your Tooth on the Roof | Selby B. Beeler | 5–9 | World traditions |
| Rotten Teeth | Laura Simms | 4–8 | Humor |
1. The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Sister Bear watches Brother Bear get his teeth cleaned and checked, and she even loses her own loose tooth. Dr. Bearson is friendly and explains each step. It’s a gentle, familiar way to show young kids exactly what happens at a checkup.
2. Curious George Visits the Dentist by Margret and H.A. Rey
George is curious about everything at the dentist’s office, from the chair to the little mirror. After a checkup, he learns why brushing matters. Kids who already love George will happily follow him into the dentist’s chair.
3. Daniel Goes to the Dentist by Becky Friedman
Based on the Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood episode, Daniel feels nervous before his first visit, but Mom Tiger helps him feel brave. The book includes the show’s catchy strategies, perfect for toddlers who learn best with songs and repetition.
4. Just Going to the Dentist by Mercer Mayer
Little Critter heads to the dentist and finds out he has a cavity. He gets a filling and discovers it isn’t as bad as he feared. The honest, funny story is great for kids who need a filling or are worried about one.
5. Peppa Pig: Dentist Trip by Ladybird
Peppa and George visit Doctor Elephant for a checkup. George is worried he hasn’t brushed well enough, but everything turns out fine. Short and cheerful, this is a favorite for preschoolers who already know Peppa from TV.
6. The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss
In classic Seuss rhyme, this book explores who has teeth, who doesn’t and how to take care of the ones you have. It’s silly, quick and memorable, and it turns tooth care into something kids want to talk about.
7. Show Me Your Smile! by Christine Ricci
Dora goes for a checkup and shows young readers each step, from counting teeth to brushing. Friendly prompts invite kids to join in, which makes the visit feel like a game rather than something scary.
8. Open Wide: Tooth School Inside by Laurie Keller
A class of teeth attends school with teacher Dr. Flossman, learning about types of teeth, cavities and brushing. Packed with jokes and fun facts, it’s ideal for curious kids ages 4 to 8 who want to know how teeth really work.
9. Brush, Brush, Brush! by Alicia Padrón
This sturdy board book follows a little one through a simple brushing routine with bright pictures and very few words. It’s a great way to start good habits early, long before the first dental visit.
10. Pony Brushes His Teeth by Michael Dahl
Pony brushes his teeth at bedtime, and toddlers help find his toothbrush on each page. The short, interactive text makes it a sweet part of the nighttime routine for kids ages 1 to 4.
11. Brush Your Teeth, Please by Leslie McGuire
This pop-up book features animals brushing their teeth with movable toothbrushes kids can slide back and forth. It’s hands-on and silly, making it a fun way to practice brushing before a dental visit.
12. Bear’s Loose Tooth by Karma Wilson
Bear’s tooth is wiggly and wobbly, and his forest friends help him through it. When it finally comes out, Bear learns a new tooth will grow in. The rhyming text is soothing for kids nervous about losing teeth.
13. Doctor De Soto by William Steig
A clever mouse dentist and his wife agree to treat a fox with a toothache, then must outsmart him when he plans to eat them. This Newbery Honor author’s classic is funny and suspenseful, and it shows dentists as kind helpers.
14. Throw Your Tooth on the Roof by Selby B. Beeler
What do kids around the world do with a lost tooth? This book shares traditions from dozens of countries, from tossing teeth on roofs to feeding them to mice. It’s a fun, global look at a universal milestone.
15. Rotten Teeth by Laura Simms
Melissa brings a jar of giant old teeth to show-and-tell and becomes the star of her class. Quirky and funny, it gets kids laughing about teeth and dentists and helps take the scariness out of the topic.
Tips for a Calm First Dental Visit
- Start early. Pediatric dentists recommend a first visit by age 1 or within six months of the first tooth.
- Read and role-play. Take turns being the dentist with a toothbrush and a hand mirror.
- Keep your words positive. Skip words like hurt or shot, and let the dentist explain the tools.
- Choose a pediatric dentist. Their offices and staff are designed to put kids at ease.
- Schedule wisely. Book a morning visit when your child is rested and fed.
- Celebrate after. A sticker, a park trip or praise builds good memories for next time.
Related: children’s books about anxiety and children’s books about starting kindergarten.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good book to read before a child’s first dentist visit?
The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist and Daniel Goes to the Dentist both show each step of a checkup in a calm, friendly way for ages 2 to 7.
How do I help my child who is scared of the dentist?
Read dentist books together, role-play at home, use positive words and choose a pediatric dentist. Knowing what to expect is the best way to ease fear.
When should a child first see the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by a child’s first birthday or within six months of the first tooth coming in.