One of the best ways to teach important lessons to your kids about the importance of taking care of their teeth and gums is by telling stories and reading books to them that highlight great oral care. Not only do the stories show them how to brush properly, but they can even help your children be less afraid of visiting the dentist. Here are some of our favorite books for teaching kids about dental care.
- Brush, Brush, Brush by Alicia Padron. Full of interactive, rhythmic and rhyming text, this title works as a sing-along, complete with bright full-color illustrations that your child’s sure to love. The words are simple and easy to read before brushing. This is especially good for younger kids first getting into the habit of brushing.
- Open Wide: Tooth School Inside by Laurie Keller. From the creator of The Scrambled States of America, this story presents the classroom of Dr. Flossman and the 32 students (teeth). The lessons in the classroom include anatomy of the teeth in a very creative and funny book on the inner workings of teeth that adults will even enjoy reading to children.
- Melvin the Magnificent Molar by Julia Cook, Laura Jana M.D. and illustrated by Allison Valentine. This one’s great for children ages 3 and up. The book has a simple and playful style that speaks to youngsters in ways that they can understand. It works as a great introduction to oral hygiene and makes a fun game out of brushing teeth.
- Pony Brushes His Teeth by Michael Dahl, Illustrated by Oriol Vidal. Ideal for children ages 2-4 years old, this book is great to go through together when parents are showing children how to brush. Beware that at the end, pony spits on his dad, and some children have begun following suit. At least they’re brushing, right?
- Clarabella’s Teeth by An Vrombaut. In case you’re unfamiliar, Clarabella is a crocodile who has so many teeth to brush that she can’t join her friends to have lunch. The text is minimal, but children love the colorful artwork.
Especially with younger children, teaching oral hygiene can be a tough endeavor. These books have helped thousands of parents overcome the struggles and have helped kids begin to enjoy brushing their teeth. If you have a newborn at home, the time for her first dental visit is right around 12 months. If that time is drawing near, make an appointment today.