April is School Library Month!

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School Library Month celebrates school librarians and their programs. Every April, the Association of School Librarians (AASL) encourages schools to create activities to help their school and local community celebrate the essential role that strong school library programs play in a student’s educational career.

So in honor of School Library Month, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite tooth tales to help celebrate! Be sure to encourage your young readers to pick up these titles in their libraries this month:

Dear Tooth Fairy - Alan Durant Illustrated by: Vanessa Cabban
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader
Because Holly is reluctant to give up her newly fallen out tooth, she starts to correspond with the Tooth Fairy, asking questions that trouble many children (such as what happens to the teeth). The Tooth Fairy responds to all questions in this elegantly illustrated book.

Junie B.: Toothless Wonder - Barbara Parks
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader
Junie B. worries about her loose tooth. If she's the first in her class to lose a tooth, will she appear different, weird? It's inevitable that Junie B.'s tooth comes out and when it does, she sets out to learn what the Tooth Fairy does with all of those teeth. The answer is, of course, addressed in Junie B.'s signature, amusing style!

Fluffy Meets the Tooth Fairy - Kate McMullan Illustrated by: Mavis Smith
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader
Fluffy, the class pet guinea pig wants to lose a tooth to meet the tooth fairy but then learns that guinea pigs don't lose teeth; rather they gnaw to wear them down. When he goes home with one of the kids, however, Fluffy manages to meet the Tooth Fairy after all! Light and playful, this is sure to engage newly independent readers.

Celebrate Read Across America Day!

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Happy Read Across America Day! Kicking off its 17th year, the National Education Association hosts this annual event on none other than Dr. Seuss’ birthday, today March 3rd. Across the country, thousands of schools and libraries participate in bringing together children and books to encourage a nation of readers.

So what’s the connection between reading skills and oral health? Truth is, oral health problems cause students across the nation to miss 51 million school hours per year. Students who are absent miss crucial instruction time - especially in the early years when improving reading skills are a major focus.

Celebrate today by sharing some of our favorite oral health stories with your kids:

 

The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss
“In this rollicking rhyming tale, Dr. Seuss takes a hilarious look at teeth, where to find them, what to do with them and how to look after them!”

Open Wide: Tooth School Inside
“It's time for tooth school and Dr. Flossman is excited to meet the incoming class of 32--eight incisors, four canines, eight premolars, and twelve molars, including the four wisdom teeth. There's just so much to learn--from brushing and flossing to dentin and pulp to every student's nightmare: tooth decay!”

Brush Your Teeth, Please: A Pop-up Book

"What child can resist imitating a chimp brushing its teeth back and forth? Or a shark that flosses every day? Youngsters will have lots of fun learning about proper dental hygiene in this delightful pop-up book."

How To Rock Braces and Glasses
For your middle school aged children: When gorgeous, uber-harsh, and uber-stylish, kacey Simon - the undisputed social dictator of Marquette Middle School, finds herself needing to wear Coke bottle glasses and braces - what is she to do? In this hilarious reversal of the 'cool crowd' versus the 'nerd herd', a popular girl finds herself in 'Loserville' and realizes maybe rocking braces and glasses is the best thing ever to happen to her!

Children's Books to Overcome the Fear of the Dentist

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

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As we know, some children are fearful or anxious about visiting the dentist for the first time. If your little one is one of them, don’t worry, there are quite a few tips on how to keep your child calm; one of them is as simple as bedtime reading.

We’ve recommended some of our favorite children’s books to help you get started:

Show Me Your Smile!: A Visit to the Dentist

It's time for Dora's checkup at the dentist. Dora explores the dentist's office, gets her teeth cleaned, and more! She even gets a special treat for being such a good patient!

The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist
Sister Bear watches Dr. Bearson fill Brother Bear's small cavity. Then it's her turn in the chair to have a dangling baby tooth removed. An entertaining story for preschoolers of a cheerful and informative visit to a dentist.

Just Going to the Dentist
Mercer Mayer's very popular Little Critter is on his way to the dentist. It's a thorough check-up, complete with dental x-rays. When Dr. Ghum insists on filling a cavity, Little Critter goes through it bravely.

Remember, parents can play a vital role in helping your child not be afraid of the dentist. Has you child experienced first time fears? What did you do to help calm the nerves? Share with us on our Facebook page!