Fun and Friendly Stories That Teach Healthy Habits and Make Tooth Time Exciting
Helping kids build a brushing routine can be a challenge—but books can make it so much easier (and way more fun!). Brushing teeth books help children understand why dental hygiene matters and turn a sometimes-fussy routine into a confident, independent habit.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite brushing teeth books for kids, organized by age group. I’ve also included playful hygiene activities and helpful questions to reinforce learning. Let me know which book helps make brushing a breeze in your home!
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Table of Content
- Why Read Books About Brushing Teeth?
- The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Brushing Teeth
- 11 Brushing Teeth Books For Children
- What GRIT Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Why Read Books About Brushing Teeth?
Brushing teeth books make healthy habits relatable, understandable, and even fun!
Through silly characters, catchy rhymes, and gentle reminders, these books help kids understand what cavities are, why we brush, and how to take care of their smile. Some stories feature friendly dentists, brave animals, or magical toothbrushes—perfect for easing fears and boosting motivation.
Reading about brushing teaches kids self-care and the importance of daily responsibility.
The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Brushing Teeth
Books about brushing teeth offer important life lessons in a simple, engaging format.
They normalize common worries about the dentist, show step-by-step routines, and empower children to take ownership of their health. These books also reinforce fine motor skills, sequencing, and confidence through repetition and routine.
Brushing teeth stories help kids develop independence with a smile!
How to Use Books about Brushing Teeth with Children
Here are some fun and effective ways to use these books in your home or classroom:
- Ask Open-Ended Questions: After reading, ask: What do you think lives on our teeth if we don’t brush? or What’s your favorite kind of toothpaste? Turn and Talk encourages kids to share what they’ve learned or practiced.
- 🎨 Engage in Hygiene-Themed Activities: Create a brushing chart to track habits, make a tooth craft, or sing a toothbrushing song while acting out each step. Try brushing a doll’s or stuffed animal’s “teeth” for extra practice!
- 📚 Refer Back to the Books: During morning and bedtime routines, say: Remember how the lion in the book brushed for two whole minutes? Let’s do that too!
- 👨‍👩‍👧 Involve Other Caregivers: Share books with babysitters, grandparents, or older siblings so everyone reinforces the same routine. Use stories as a gentle way to prep for dentist visits.
11 Brushing Teeth Books For Children
#1 Tooth by Leslie Patricelli
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This cheeky board book captures a baby’s excitement about growing teeth and the fun of brushing!
Activity Idea: Sing a silly brushing song together.
Discussion Questions:
- What does the baby do with their new tooth?
- Why do we brush teeth?
- What’s your favorite toothbrush color?
#2 The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss
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With wacky rhymes and fun facts, this classic Seuss book explores all things teeth.
Activity Idea: Draw a “tooth superhero” to fight cavities.
Discussion Questions:
- What are some animals with funny teeth?
- How are your teeth special?
- What happens when you lose a baby tooth?
#3 Brush! Brush! Brush! by Douglas Florian
đź”— View on Amazon
A joyful rhyme book about brushing teeth—great for toddlers just starting out.
Activity Idea: Practice brushing with a stuffed animal.
Discussion Questions:
- How long should we brush our teeth?
- What helps make brushing fun?
- Why do we use toothpaste?
#4 Brush, Brush, Brush! by Alicia Padron
đź”— View on Amazon
A bright and simple introduction to brushing in a toddler-friendly format.
Activity Idea: Use a timer and race to brush for 2 minutes.
Discussion Questions:
- How often do you brush your teeth?
- What does toothpaste taste like?
- Do you like brushing in the morning or at night?
#5 Help the Lion Brush His Teeth! by Sophie Schoenwald
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Get interactive with this funny lion who really needs help brushing!
Activity Idea: Make a lion craft with big white teeth.
Discussion Questions:
- Why didn’t the lion want to brush?
- How can you help friends take care of their teeth?
- What animals need clean teeth?
#6 Sesame Street: Ready, Set, Brush! by Che Rudko
đź”— View on Amazon
Join Elmo and friends as they show how brushing can be fun and easy!
Activity Idea: Watch a brushing video with Elmo.
Discussion Questions:
- What’s your favorite Sesame Street character?
- What did Elmo teach us?
- What makes brushing fun?
Check Out Capybara-Theme Daily Reflection Journals For Kids!
#7 The Tooth Book by Mark Bacera
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A clever look at all the toothy mysteries in a fun, fact-based way for kids.
Activity Idea: Create a “Tooth Timeline” for baby to grown-up teeth.
Discussion Questions:
- What do you wonder about your teeth?
- What are tooth facts that surprised you?
- What’s something new you learned?
#8 Cavities vs. Toothpaste by Didi Dragon
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Cavities battle it out with toothpaste in this funny comic-style book.
Activity Idea: Act out a battle between “Mr. Cavity” and “Captain Toothpaste.”
Discussion Questions:
- What causes cavities?
- How do we stop them?
- What foods are good for your teeth?
#9 Brush Your Teeth, Please by Jean Pidgeon
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This fun pop-up book shows different animals brushing their teeth—interactive and silly!
Activity Idea: Pretend to brush animal teeth using puppets.
Discussion Questions:
- Which animal was the funniest?
- What did each animal do to brush?
- Can you brush like an elephant?
#10 WHY DO I NEED TO BRUSH MY TEETH? by Caressa Simmons
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A question-answer book that explains the why behind dental hygiene in kid-friendly ways.
Activity Idea: Make a poster with brushing steps.
Discussion Questions:
- Why is it important to brush?
- What could happen if you don’t?
- How can you remember to brush every day?
#11 Very First Questions and Answers: Why Should I Brush My Teeth? by Katie Daynes
đź”— View on Amazon
Lift-the-flap fun paired with informative answers for curious minds.
Activity Idea: Create your own question-and-answer game about brushing.
Discussion Questions:
- What questions did you have about teeth?
- What was your favorite flap surprise?
- What would you ask a dentist?
Grab these free resources to make your teaching life easier!
What Brushing Teeth Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Brushing teeth books for kids transform everyday habits into moments of joy, learning, and pride. Whether it’s a silly monster with a shiny smile or a brave first trip to the dentist, these stories support lifelong health and confidence.
Which book will help your little one become a brushing champ? Tag me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches and share your favorite brushing books, routines, or tips for keeping teeth sparkling clean!
Happy reading!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
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