Updated: 1/21/2020
Most of us have memories of playing with various toys as a kid. Maybe your favorite toy was the first baby doll you ever held or the latest Lego set to come out. These days there are a lot of toy options, but some have been designed to help kids learn about teeth – or even help kids overcome dental fears.
Let’s take a look at a few toys – some classic, some brand new – that have been inspired by teeth:
1. App: Tiny Dentist
The app “Tiny Dentist” is free and designed specifically to help children learn about teeth. Taking on the role of the dentist, they are able to operate on a patient by brushing, scraping, and bleaching the teeth, as well as using water and air spray and applying braces.
This app may be a great use for kids who are nervous about going to the dentist, or simply for children who are interested in dental work.
2. Barbie Dentist
Photo by Freddycat1 / CC-BY-SA
What little girl wouldn’t love playing with a dentist Barbie? From the classic 1997 version to the newer version in the “I Can be…” series, these Barbie sets are sure to be loved! Barbie products, however, are recommended for ages 3 and up, as some smaller pieces can be a choking hazard.
3. Chattering Teeth
These wind-up teeth are a classic when it comes to dentist toys! Whether your teeth have feet to walk around or just stick to chattering, kids are sure to be entertained by this “vintage” toy.
4. Crocodile Dentist
This simple game is great for one person or up to a group of four. To play, a person tries to pull out the plastic teeth from the crock’s mouth. If, however, they pull a sore tooth, the mouth will chomp down – declaring the loser. For kids who like the fun of surprise, this may be the game for them!
5. Dentist Costumes
Photo by Veronica Jauriqui / CC-BY-NC
With Halloween quickly approaching, most kids are probably brainstorming the perfect costume. This year, why not go as a dentist or tooth fairy? Those are costumes that everyone will enjoy – especially your dentist.
6. Fake Teeth – Halloween
Who hasn’t gone to school the day of Halloween and come home with those plastic glow-in-the-dark fake teeth? For little kids specifically, they add a little bit of goofiness and laughter to the day.
7. Play-Doh Doctor Drill N’ Fill
With this fun play-doh set, kids can operate on their patient by filling cavities, pulling teeth and even applying braces! It’s a great way for them to get familiar with what a dentist does, and it may relieve some anxiety about visiting the dental office.
8. Playmobil Dentist Set
Photo by patries71 / CC-BY-NC-ND
Kids will love playing with this miniature dentist office! As a parent, you can play with them and even use the toys to help children visualize what it’s like to be at the dentist. It’s a great toy and set to start – or add to – your playmobil collection.
Next time you think about getting a new toy for your child, consider one of these dental toys that will surely be a blast to play with – and maybe even help them learn something, too!
For movies that can encourage your children to brush their teeth, take a look at our previous blog post on dental care in kid’s movies.
