Every parent knows that at some point, they’re going to have to teach their child how to brush their own teeth. We all know the benefits. Research even shows that healthy teeth can lead to better school performance. Who would have thought? But with our busy, chaotic lives these days, something as simple as showing our kids the latter can seem like a huge task. Not to mention, some children are stubborn, unwilling, and/or forgetful when it comes to learning how to independently brush their teeth. But what better way to get your child interested in caring for their oral health than with a fun book? Fortunately, there are many children’s books about brushing that can educate children on taking care of their teeth and encourage them to want to partake in this vital task from the start. Let’s check out some of the options.
“Sugarbug Doug: All About Cavities, Plaque, and Teeth” by Dr. Ben Magleby
Second and third graders will love this 36-page Dr. Ben Magleby story that contains colorful images.
This is the perfect book to read to your child if they struggle to understand the importance of brushing their teeth. Why, you might ask? Because this story is all about sugarbugs, also known as the bad bacteria that linger in the oral cavity, who damage the teeth, trigger oral disease, and give us bad breath. This book also discusses how children can avoid these evil bugs to keep their oral health in top-notch condition.
Realizing how terrible oral bacteria is and how we can impede these little beasts can help children understand how important it is to go to the dentist and care for their pearly whites.
“The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist” by Stan & Jan Berenstain
The Berenstain Bears are a classic! Perhaps you’ve read books or watched episodes on television featuring this adorable bear family. You’ve come to know them and love them yourself, so surely, you’ll want your child to know and love them too.
In this children’s picture book for children ages three to seven, Mama, Papa, Brother, and Sister visit their local dentist’s office. Here, they get their teeth cleaned and get scoped out for cavities. Likewise, they learn about different types of dental tools their dentist uses. Even though this story came out in 1981, it’s still enjoyable for children today. Not to mention, the information contained within this storybook is relevant and holds true today.
32 pages-worth of story and 50 bonus stickers are included within this book.
Sesame Street “Ready, Set, Brush! A Pop-Up Book” by Che Rudko
Offer a more interactive and visual way for your kids to learn about brushing their teeth with this Sesame Street-themed pop-up book. Children ages two to five can learn from Elmo and his friends regarding the components of oral hygiene. This includes applying toothpaste, brushing the teeth, rinsing out the mouth, and going to the dentist.
Children will love not only hearing this story but getting to open up flaps, turn wheels, and enjoy fun pop-ups in the process. It makes reading more enjoyable, better captures children’s attention, and helps children better remember the elements of good oral hygiene.
“The Tooth Book: A Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums” by Edward Miller
No child is born knowing that they need to take care of their teeth. Not to mention, children don’t automatically know how to take care of their teeth. They need to learn it from somewhere.
“The Tooth Book,” however, teaches kids ages five through eight how to keep not only their teeth but also their gums healthy. Colorful, silly artwork and great dental advice make this one of our favorite books about brushing. This story also offers interesting history and lore to keep your child engaged during storyitme. Your kiddos may also love “The Monster Health Book,” the sister book to “The Tooth Book.”
“How to Brush Your Teeth with Snappy Croc” by Jane Clarke
Little Croc in this story is the perfect, brightly-colored animal friend to teach your two- to six-year-old about how to brush their teeth. While stubborn at first, this sweet crocodile ends up being very happy and enthusiastic about caring for their teeth and so can your child! This book is a great representation for kids who might also not be very keen when it comes to getting their teeth brushed. They could learn a thing or two from this lime green crocodile pal.
Not only are the graphics to die for, but this book about brushing offers fun, rhyming text to entice your little one.
“Brush Your Teeth, Please” by Jean Pidgeon
There’s something about pop-up books that children love so much! Maybe it’s because most children are visual and hands-on learners. (It’s a proven fact.) And you bet that “Brush Your Teeth, Please” is one of those beloved pop-up children’s books on the market.
In this very short story for small tots and kindergarteners, kids will learn about proper dental hygiene. This story offers vivid illustrations of various animals engaging in oral health practices to encourage children to do the same. Your kid will get to witness a brown bear brushing their teeth, a shark flossing, and more. This is one of the best books about brushing for kids who are total animal lovers!
“Suzy and Sammy and the Magic Toothbrushes” by T.M. Mutasa
This children’s book features two adorable monkeys named Suzy and Sammy who are overjoyed at the fact that they get to use their new toothbrushes. The unusual experience in the bathroom the duo face and the colorful graphics in this story is enticing for young children. Not to mention, this book teaches the value of brushing one’s teeth in a unique and clever way.
The very fluent and easy-to-understand text makes this children’s storybook easy to comprehend even for very tiny children. And what child doesn’t love monkeys?!
“How To… Brush Your Teeth” by Lake Press
Board books are excellent for youngsters who have yet to grasp the ability to turn thin pages on their own with their tiny fingers and lack of fine motor skills. This is because board books offer very thick, easy-to-grab and -turn pages. “How To… Brush Your Teeth” is an example of a board book that teaches kids the act of toothbrushing. It also teaches kids about eating right for good oral health and what to call the different teeth.
This book not only teaches about how to brush and care for the teeth but also helps kids actually put what they learn into practice, making it one of the top books about brushing. This book offers a little toothbrush and a 3D mold of a mouth. With these devices, kids can develop better motor skills and the right coordination when brushing teeth before practicing it on their own teeth. (After all, many children brush incorrectly.) Hands-on learning at its finest!
This board book is great for kids around the preschool to the second-grade range.
“Jacob Learns to Brush His Teeth” by Anthony Heath
Does your child already have plenty of books containing animals and other non-human characters? There are other books about brushing that you and your child might prefer. For a more realistic story, turn to “Jacob Learns to Brush His Teeth.” Have your kiddo follow along to this 24-page picture book as little Jacob discovers how to take care of his pearly whites. In the process, your toddler or preschooler can learn how to care for their own teeth too.
Besides enjoyable illustrations, children will love the nursery rhymes within this colorful book as well as the humor it involves. There’s no better way to learn how to care for your teeth than with a fun way to learn how to do it!