Visiting a pediatric dentist in Calgary for the first time can make some children feel nervous upon their visit. However, with the right tools, a trip to the dentist can be an exciting and rewarding experience. From what exactly? By reading picture books about dental health! Reading picture books with your child can help make their dental experience positive. Here are five picture books that can help to eliminate the fear of the dentist and help your child to look forward to their next appointment.

Book Recommendations From a Pediatric Dentist in Calgary

The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist

The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan and Jan Berenstain is a classic picture book for children, originally published in 1983. The book tells how the Berenstain Bears are going to the dentist for the first time. The dentist uses the traditional method of putting the child’s hand in a “big bear trap” to hold the child still, along with candy to make it enjoyable. For the longest time, this book has been great for introducing the idea of going to a dentist to young children.

Just Going to the Dentist

Just Going to the Dentist by Mercer Mayer is a classic picture book originally published in 1973. This dentist visit story is written from the child’s perspective and shows the child’s emotions and feelings during the visit. The child begins to worry about pain, the unknown, the noises and feelings and ultimately decides to run away. The dentist can reassure the child and get them to stay and finish the visit. It helps outline all the tools used and what to expect of certain procedures when using them. 

Llama Llama at the Doctor

Llama Llama at the Doctor by Anna Dewdney is a great story for introducing children to the dentist and the positive aspects of the visit. Llama Llama’s family takes him to the dentist for his first check-up and the dentist for his first tooth brushing. The dentist does a full check-up and gives Llama Llama a squeezy-heart toy as a gift. The dentist uses a tiny toothbrush to clean Llama Llama’s teeth. The dentist and the doctor both useful tools to do their jobs, and Llama Llama is rewarded with stickers when they are done. 

Dentist Trip

Dentist Trip by Anne Civardi is a simple picture book with few words, making it great for young children who may be apprehensive about the dentist. The book shows a child at home brushing their teeth and then going to the dentist for a cleaning. The dentist shows the child what tools are used. For instance, it also illustrates how a computer is used to look in their mouth. The dentist uses an instrument to scrape off any plaque from the teeth, but it doesn’t hurt. The dentist also uses a special cleaning machine to clean the child’s teeth. 

Open Wide: Tooth School Inside

Open Wide: Tooth School Inside by Laurie Keller is a non-fiction picture book that explores what happens inside a dentist’s office. The book begins by describing the office and the dentist’s tools. The reader is then taken inside the mouth. It illustrates where the teeth, gums, and plaque needs to be removed by the dentist. 

Visiting a dentist shouldn’t be a scary experience for children, and Happy Trails Children’s Dentistry is here to make sure that children feel safe and excited about their regular checkups. Happy Trails is a professional pediatric dentistry proudly serving south Calgary, and we have a goal of creating an inviting and comfortable space for children to receive the best care available. With our fantastic dentist, Dr. Sam, our young patients in Calgary will always have a positive dental experience!                                  

Losing a tooth is something everyone has to go through at some point in their lives. Children typically start losing their baby teeth around the age of 6 years old. Oftentimes, they fall out in the same order they erupted. This can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience for the parent and child. Dr. Sam and our team of pediatric dental professionals have put together three of our top tips to help soothe your child when they lose a tooth.

• Do Not Panic

The first thing to remember is to avoid panicking. We understand your concern for your child, but just remember that this is a natural process and does not cause extreme pain to your little one. You should let them know that losing a tooth is normal and even get them excited about a visit from the tooth fairy!

In most cases, you should leave the tooth to fall out on its own. This will help to promote fast healing and reduce pain.

Clean Your Child’s Gum 

Once the tooth has fallen out, it’s important to clean the area. We recommended gently wiping the socket and surrounding area with a soft, damp washcloth or gauze. You can also have your little one rinse their mouth with warm salt water. Although this might be slightly uncomfortable, it will help to clean the socket and heal the area faster.

• Focus On Consistent Oral Hygiene

Once your child starts to develop their adult teeth, oral hygiene becomes even more important! Take the time to explain to your child that these new, permanent teeth will be in their smile forever! Ensure they brush their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes. Avoid brushing the socket at first, and make sure they are using a soft-bristled toothbrush.

If it takes more than six months for the permanent tooth to appear, you should contact us to check in on the development.

Take Your Child To A Pediatric Dentist in Calgary! 

One of the best ways to make sure your child’s smile stays happy and healthy is to have them complete biannual dental appointments! Contact us today to book your child’s next visit and help them maintain good oral health! Make sure to also follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for more oral health tips and tricks!