Tiny Teeth Books is changing the way children experience the dentist—one rhyming, expert-reviewed, fear-free story at a time.
It Started With a Toothbrush Battle
Alyssa Assante didn’t set out to write books. She set out to calm her son’s sobbing after a routine toothbrushing turned into a meltdown. As a seasoned dental hygienist with experience in more than 100 clinics across six countries, she knew the clinical side of dental care like the back of her glove-covered hand. But what she didn’t know—until that day—was just how emotionally overwhelming those first dental milestones could be for children… and their parents.
“There I was, a professional who had taught hundreds of families how to care for tiny teeth, and yet I couldn’t get my own child to open his mouth without tears,” Alyssa recalls. “That’s when it hit me. Dental care isn’t just clinical. It’s emotional.”
That moment, in a bathroom strewn with toothbrushes and frustration, planted the seed for what would become Tiny Teeth Books—a revolutionary children’s dental book series that has since become a favorite among pediatric dentists, educators, and parents alike.
Tiny Teeth, Big Feelings: Why Dental Stories Matter
Alyssa’s career has spanned small-town family practices in the U.S., pop-up clinics and orphanages in Central America, pediatric practices across Europe, and keynote stages and community outreach programs in Ireland. Over the years, she noticed a hauntingly consistent pattern: dental anxiety in childhood often blossomed into full-blown avoidance in adulthood.
“I saw the same story play out over and over,” she says. “Kids walked in nervous and walked out traumatized—because they didn’t know what to expect. They were blindsided. And that fear? It stuck.”
Traditional children’s books about dental care rarely helped. Many were overly cutesy, skipping the actual steps of a dental visit, or worse, crammed in unnecessary details about drills and fillings that only heightened fear. Alyssa knew families needed something better—something developmentally appropriate, emotionally intelligent, and clinically sound.
That “something” became Tiny Teeth Books.
One Milestone, One Book: A New Kind of Dental Story
Each Tiny Teeth title focuses on a single dental milestone—like the first check-up, a loose tooth, or even a cavity repair. The language is warm but clear, the tone empowering but gentle, and the illustrations diverse and inviting. What makes the books truly stand out? Their structure.
“There’s no guesswork, no surprises,” says Alyssa. “Each story walks children through what to expect, step-by-step, from the moment they walk into the waiting room to the final high-five at checkout.”
This simple but powerful approach is what makes Tiny Teeth Books radically different. Instead of aiming to “distract” kids from dental care, the books respect their intelligence and guide them toward understanding—with playful rhymes and imagery that soothe, not scare.
One of the series’ bestsellers, My Dental Debut, is rapidly becoming a staple in pediatric dental offices across the country.
“This is one of the best kids’ dental books I have ever read,” says Amanda Gamboe, RDH and mom. “It shows kids the step-by-step process… with amazing illustrations, easy language to understand, and it rhymes too!”
100+ Dental Pros Can’t Be Wrong
Before a single book is published, it’s reviewed by over 100 dental professionals—hygienists, dentists, assistants, and educators—who vet each page for clinical accuracy and emotional appropriateness.
That’s not just quality control. That’s a new industry standard.
“I think it’s the best kids’ book in dentistry I’ve ever read… and I’ve been practicing that long!” says Sharon Barbacki, RDH.
The response from the dental community has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with many professionals calling for the books to be added to every pediatric practice’s waiting room and take-home bag.
“The perfect book for dental offices to have in their waiting rooms!” adds Laurie Grabiak, RDH and grandmother.
This professional validation, combined with industry recognition such as the 2025 Best Pediatric Health Communication Book Series award, highlights the impact Tiny Teeth Books is making in children’s oral health not just educational materials—but trusted clinical tools.
“We’re Not Here to Entertain Away the Fear—We’re Here to Prevent It.”
Alyssa’s mission goes far beyond bedtime stories. For her, every book is a chance to shift the lifelong narrative of dental care—from one of fear to one of confidence.
“We don’t just tell stories,” she says. “We help rewrite them.”
And that rewrite isn’t only for kids. The books also give parents, especially those with dental trauma of their own, the language and tools they need to model calm, confident attitudes during appointments.
“Because your child doesn’t have to inherit your fear,” Alyssa explains. “Even if dental visits were hard for you, they don’t have to be hard for them. The right story can make all the difference.”
The books provide suggested phrases, answers to common questions, and even tips for handling tricky emotions—all written with empathy and backed by science.
Inclusivity on Every Page
In a publishing landscape that often lacks true representation, Tiny Teeth Books has taken extra care to include children of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities in its illustrations and stories. Every title is created with accessibility in mind—offering ASL versions for deaf and hard-of-hearing readers, descriptive read-alouds for blind children, and supportive adaptations for neurodivergent kids.
“I love the diversity of the children in the book,” says Dr. Trudy Frazer, a pediatric dentist. “It’s important for kids to see themselves in the media they consume.”
By partnering with accessibility experts and disability advocates, the brand ensures that no child is left behind in this journey toward confident, informed dental care.
Built for Parents, Beloved by Dentists
What began as a personal parenting struggle has grown into an internationally recognized resource. From dental trade publications to parenting blogs, Tiny Teeth Books is being featured as the new gold standard in pediatric dental storytelling. The series’ influence has even been recognized with the 2025 Best Pediatric Health Communication Book Series award, underscoring its role as both a parenting resource and a professional tool.
Tiny Teeth Books aligns seamlessly with:
- Back-to-School readiness checklists
- National Children’s Dental Health Month (February)
- First dental milestones
- DEI and inclusivity discussions
- Parent education programs and pediatric wellness toolkits
Whether you’re a parent prepping for that very first dental visit, a pediatrician looking to ease patient anxiety, or a dental practice seeking resources that truly work, Tiny Teeth Books delivers.
Why Dentists and Parents Love Tiny Teeth Books
With input from over 100 dental professionals—including pediatric dentists, hygienists, and educators—Tiny Teeth Books’ award-winning approach has become a trusted resource in dental offices, schools, and homes across the globe. It’s not just about calming nerves; it’s about shifting the narrative around dental care from one of fear to one of confidence.
Where Storytelling Meets Science—and Smiles Win
With every title reviewed by experts, designed for real developmental needs, and crafted with love and lived experience, Tiny Teeth Books doesn’t just fill a gap in the market—it redefines the category.
Because a brave smile starts with the right story.
So whether you’re facing your child’s first dental appointment or revisiting your own narrative around oral health, this is where fear gets replaced by readiness—and nervous giggles become genuine grins.
Explore the bestselling book My Dental Debut or learn more at tinyteethbooks.com.
Follow on Instagram for tips, behind-the-scenes updates, and sneak peeks: @tiny.teeth.books
