Dental phobia is extremely common among children. In fact, Dentistry Today states that 19.5% of school age children have a phobia of the dentist or the dental practice. It is not something a child has to live with, though. There are fun, educational ways to help them understand more about the work of the dentist and why visits are so important. Reading books is one option, and here are four fun books that could help you and your child.

1. Dora the Explorer Visits the Dentist

Dora the Explorer has become a great way to teach children about everything. Show Me Your Smile is just the first book on the list to help children curb their fear of the dentist. Through the book, your child will go on a trip with Dora to visit the dentist's office and look at all the tools. They will also find out more about teeth cleaning and the routine checkup.

2. The Berenstain Bears at the Dentist

The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan and Jan Berenstain is the next book to pull out to help with the fear of the dentist. This book shows some of the problems of poor oral hygiene without scaring children. Brother Bear has to deal with a cavity while Sister Bear has a loose tooth. With this book, your child will learn all about the different tools dentists use. By learning more about the tools, maybe your child will be less afraid of them.

3. What to Expect When You're at the Dentist

Part of the fear of the dentist is the unknown, and What to Expect When You're at the Dentist by Heidi Murkoff will calm that fear by going through everything your child can expect to see and hear. This is a book for children and parents to read together, and you may feel your own deep fears quashed.

4. Little Critter's Honest Experience

Everyone wants honest experiences of the dental practice, and Little Critter gives that in Just Going to the Dentist by Mercer Meyer. Little Critter takes the reader through the checkup process, along with the x-rays being taken. It is all written from Little Critter's point of view, while even a cavity is being fixed.

It's time to help your child curb that fear of the dentist—and you too. Take your time to read through these fun books and have a discussion about the upcoming visit. Your child may end up loving the experience.

For more information, contact Hoffman & Karl Dental Associates, PLLC or a similar location.