Why Should I Brush My Teeth?

Synopsis

Why don't animals have toothbrushes? Should everyone brush their teeth? And why do baby teeth fall out? Curious young children can discover the answers to these questions and many more in this entertaining book, with over 30 flaps to lift, gentle humour and easy-to-understand text on every page.

Summary

Chapter One: What Should I Brush My Teeth with?

The first chapter of the book, Why Should I Brush My Teeth? asks the question “What should I brush my teeth with?” The book explains that the correct answer is a toothbrush with toothpaste, and presents a lift-the-flap activity to illustrate the reason why. Readers learn that to properly clean their teeth, they should use toothpaste and brush in circular motions. This chapter also emphasizes the importance of brushing by showing examples of healthy teeth and unhealthy teeth, so children can see the differences between the two.

A real life example of this is when a parent or guardian talks to a child about brushing their teeth before bed. The parent can show the child their own toothbrush and toothpaste and demonstrate the circular motion used when brushing teeth. They can also explain why brushing is important and how unhealthy teeth can look if a child doesn’t take care of their teeth.

Chapter Two: How Often Should I Brush My Teeth?

In the second chapter, the book introduces the concept of how often a child should brush their teeth. It explains that brushing twice a day, in the morning and before bed, is the ideal amount of brushing. It also goes over some of the everyday items a child can use to make sure they are properly brushing their teeth. These items include a clock, an egg timer, a sound alarm, or singing a song to make sure the brushing lasts at least two minutes each time.

A real life example of this is when a parent or guardian sets up a brushing schedule for their child. They can use one of the items previously mentioned to keep track of how long their child is brushing. The parent can demonstrate how to properly use the item and help the child understand why it is important to stick to a brushing schedule. They can also help the child choose a two-minute song they like to help make brushing teeth more fun.

Chapter Three: What Happens if I Don’t Brush My Teeth?

The third chapter of the book looks at the consequences of not brushing teeth. It talks about how not brushing regularly can lead to tooth decay, and how tooth decay can cause cavities, which cause pain. It presents various scenarios of what an unhealthy tooth can look like if it isn’t taken care of properly.

A real life example of this is when a parent takes their child to the dentist for the first time. The dentist can explain to the child why brushing teeth is important and what the risks of not brushing regularly are. They can also show the child pictures of healthy and unhealthy teeth, and let them know how cavities are caused and how they can be treated. This conversation can help a child understand why brushing is so important and help them take better care of their teeth in the future.