Read your way to the dentist!

If your child is nervous about heading to the dentist, or wants to learn more about what goes on during a dental visit, take the time to read a book or two to them about dental visits. There are plenty of kid-friendly books that explain what happens during a dental evaluation and do so in a way they will understand. Take a stroll to your local library and ask a librarian to recommend a book or two about dental visits for kids!

Benefits of Reading to Your Children

Reading to your children is beneficial for many reasons. For one, it can be a great way to bond and spend more time with each other. Reading can also help make children more empathetic and more aware of their emotions because they can relate to the characters in the books they are reading. Also, reading to your children can help with language development. If your child is in preschool age, you can have them help you sound out words while you read, which can help your child build their reading confidence.

Easing Your Child’s Dental Anxiety

It is common for children to be anxious to head to the dentist because the dental office can be full of unfamiliar things, and being that your child only visits the dental office a few times a year, they may not remember what happened the last time they stopped in at Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry.

If you are coming to Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry for the first time, you’ll be surprised to find the bright colors and wall art all throughout our office. We picked a sailing theme to help maintain calm in our office.

At our practice, we pride ourselves on staying up on the latest technology and methods of dentistry. And when it comes to our littlest patients, we practice the “Tell, Show, Do” method, meaning we explain to you and your child what will be happening, show you and your child the equipment that will be used, and then, when they are ready, continue with the dental evaluation.

Great Books to Read About the Dentist

We love reading, so here are a few of our dental-related books that you can share with your children when preparing them for a dental visit.

Ninjas Go To The Dentist by Mary Nhin: Part of the Ninja Life Hacks series, this rhyming book talks about overcoming fears of heading to the dentist with loveable ninja characters! This is an easy-to-read book with real-life experiences that your child can relate to.

First Experience: Going to the Dentist by The Wiggles: If your child is a fan of The Wiggles, then they’ll adore this book. This book explains Little Captain’s visit to the dentist, where he is going for the first time because he has a sore tooth. The book explains what a dentist does, and what Little Captain can expect during his dental visit.

The Night Before the Dentist by Natasha Wing: This book follows a young boy’s journey to the dentist, and what happens the night before. He brushes his teeth and talks about having already lost a few of his baby teeth! The next day, he details his visit to the dentist in a fun and not scary way. This book is perfect for preschoolers who are heading to the dentist for the first time.

Did Dinosaurs Have Dentists? By Patrick O’Donnell: If your child loves dinosaurs, make sure to add this book to your reading list! A child is on their way to the dentist and wonders what it would be like if a tyrannosaurus rex used toothpaste. The book includes common dental terms, and comes with scientific facts about the dinosaurs that are mentioned in the book.

The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan Berenstain: If the Berenstain Bears were a favorite for you to read as a child, you can be assured that your child will love this classic as well. You can follow the Berenstain Bears as they visit the dentist to get a dental evaluation and learn all about the tools the dentist uses.

These are just a few of the many dental-related children’s books available. If you are looking for more books, be sure to check out your local library and get a recommendation from the librarian!

The Night Before the Dental Visit

The night before your child’s dental visit, it is common for them to start to feel a little bit nervous. As a parent, you can help ease your child’s nerves by explaining what happens at the dentist. Go over some of the books you may have read, and ask your child if they have any questions, and be prepared to answer them honestly. It is best to explain that visiting Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry at least twice a year is the best way to make sure their teeth are healthy!

Have you visited Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry lately?

If it has been more than six months since your last visit to Salem’s Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry, make sure you give us a call to schedule your child’s dental visit soon! Remember, your child’s first dental visit should be before their first birthday, once their first tooth has erupted.