When it comes to dental hygiene, teach kids often and start early. Parents and even teachers of young children who want to encourage proper dental hygiene, which includes brushing, rinsing, flossing and routine visits to the dentist, might rely on books to supplement their words. Here are some parents’ and teachers’ favorite books, many of which are recommended by dentists who know how important it is to get the word out to children.
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| Available on Amazon |
Plenty of books exist featuring your child’s favorite movie and TV characters. Spongebob and the Berenstein Bears know how important it is to brush and floss! Even Dr. Seuss has a book aptly titled The Tooth Book. We recommend the popup book Ready, Set, Brush, which features everyone’s favorite red muppet from Sesame Street. Elmo teaches kids all about brushing twice a day for two minutes each to keep their pearly whites, well, pearly and white! Elmo and friends also talk about visiting the dentist.
Kate Parkhurst is the author of The Invasion of The Cavity Creatures, which provides a fun look into what happens when you don’t properly take care of your teeth. No one wants cavity creatures! And this book helps inspire children to keep on top of their brushing routine every day.
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| Available on Amazon |
Brush, Rinse and Floss is a good book for children who are a little older and need motivation to take care of their teeth and mouth. Dads who want to teach their children how to brush correctly might like Pony Brushes His Teeth, which centers on a daddy horse teaching his little pony to brush for the first time. Junie B., First Grader: Toothless Wonder is ideal for children who are losing teeth and worried by it.
If your little one is worried about visiting the dentist, which can seem scary to children, try Teddy Visits the Dentist. This book explains routine dental visits in a way that isn’t scary.
Parents may receive other recommendations or activity sheets from teachers and dentists. Children will identity with different artwork, stories and characters, so having plenty of sources to teach about oral hygiene is key to making an impression.