It’s story time! 

Our world is filled with stories. From the tales we share with our families after a long day at work to the adventures on TV, there’s just something about a good story that pulls us in. But diving into a good book can sometimes be just a little extra special. It gives you the power to disappear into other worlds and experience things you never thought were possible

Did you know that children who are read to at least three times a week are nearly twice as likely to score in the top 25% of reading comprehension? But that’s not the only reason to grab a book for our little ones. Books are filled with knowledge for our children. For example, books about dental health can help our children with the idea of going to the dentist. They can teach them what to expect when they walk through the doors, or even help show them how to care for their teeth on a day-to-day basis.

The Magic of Storytelling: How dental health books capture kids’ imagination.

Teaching our children about the dentist and oral health through stories is a great way to keep it from seeming scary. When they listen to the story of their favorite character going to the dentist, they know exactly what to expect. Then, when they are reclining in the dentist’s chair, they can close their eyes and truly feel confident.

Are you needing some ideas on what books to get your child? Well, we’ve got plenty of options for you! Not only do we have a list of 10 books here, but we have this list of 10 of our favorite children’s books and another 10 over here!

Curating the Perfect Reading List: A Selection of Dental Health Books for Kids

1. My Friend Toothy

Stacey Laviolette

“My Friend Toothy” is a story about Toothy, a tooth who wants nothing more than to share how taking care of your teeth can be fun! 

2. The Night Before the Dentist

Natasha Wing

“The Night Before the Dentist” is a story of a little boy and how he gets ready for the dentist. He recently lost four of his baby teeth, and has two new ones coming in. So of course, he wants to make sure they’re clean for his visit to the dentist!

3. If the Dentist Were An Animal

Rachel Grider, RDH

“If the Dentist Were An Animal” teaches children the ABCs of dentistry—through animals. Filled with rhymes, kangaroos, dinosaurs, and octopuses, this book is sure to be a hit! 

4. Did Dinosaurs Have Dentists?

Patrick O’Donnell

“Did Dinosaurs Have Dentists?” explores how interesting it would be to take care of a dinosaur’s teeth. After all, would they squash the toothpaste tube? What would they look like in braces?

5. The Dolphin Dentist—No Sharks Allowed

Cheryl DaVeiga

“The Dolphin Dentist—No Sharks Allowed” is the story of Fearless Flossy, a great white shark with a big secret: she’s terrified of the dentist!

6. Five Little Sugar Bugs

Rachel Grider, RDH

“Five Little Sugar Bugs” is a unique way to look at cavities and how to prevent them! The little sugar bugs are hunting for a new home, but constant brushing and flossing are doing a good job of keeping them at bay!

7. Cavities Vs. Toothpaste

Didi Dragon

“Cavities Vs. Toothpaste” is a hilarious book about the battle we help fight whenever we brush our teeth. This book exposes the secret world of cavity-causing bacteria, what they eat, and what they like to do to our teeth if the toothpaste doesn’t come along to whisk them away.

8. Brush Your Teeth Please

Leslie McGuire

“Brush Your Teeth Please” is a precious pop-up book about different animals taking care of their own teeth! The illustrations are vibrant and fun, sure to bring a grin to your little one’s face!

9. Why Do I Need to Brush My Teeth?

Caressa Simmons

“Why Do I Need to Brush My Teeth?” is the story of Ivy, a little girl with a very important question, “Why?”

10. Help the Lion Brush His Teeth

Sophie Schoenwald

“Help the Lion Brush His Teeth” is an activity book filled with fun ways to teach your child how to care for their teeth! Each page is filled with directions on how to get the lion ready to brush his teeth.  

Engaging Beyond the Pages: Using dental health books for conversations with your kids.

Using books like these is a great way to talk to your children about their teeth! It lets your children come up with questions for you to answer. Sure, you might not have every answer at the ready, but you can always look it up, or give us a call if you’re particularly stumped. Teaching your children to be open with their oral health can go a long way to helping them have a healthy smile throughout their lives.

Soak Up That Information

Never underestimate the power of a good book. Not only do the stories transport us to other worlds or make us laugh, but they also teach us things. By reading books about oral health to our children, they are able to soak up that information, stepping up their oral health bit by bit! So when choosing what books to read your little ones, why not try a fun story about a lion with a toothbrush? You might be surprised by what your child might learn.

And while we’ve got you, don’t forget to schedule your child’s biannual cleaning! You can make an appointment in only a few clicks through our online form!