Benefits and tips for building strong reading habits in your kids. 

Reading books with your child is a beautiful way to bond with them while also encouraging their intellectual and emotional growth. However, it’s not always easy to make the time or create a habit around reading, especially with so many competing priorities. But we know there is so much value to be gained in reading to, and with, your kids, so we’ve created seven tips to help you restore the lost art.

1. Make it nostalgic for yourself: buy your favorite childhood books and read them to your child.

One of the best ways to make reading with your child enjoyable is to choose books you love. You can share your memories and experiences with your child while also introducing them to some classic children’s literature. Our childhood favorite books for school-aged kids include, Because of Winn-Dixie, Ramona Quimby, Age 8, and Charlotte’s Web.

2. Get both parents involved. 

Getting both parents involved in reading to your child is a great way to create a strong family bond around books. It’s also helpful for sharing the responsibility of reading time, making it easier to maintain a consistent routine. Plus, it’s good for kids to experience reading with more than one person as it helps them to retain information, not expecting it to come in the same way each time. 

3. Step away from that mobile device.

We’re all guilty of it; spending too much time on our phones. After all, with sites like Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, there is so much exciting stuff to peruse. But the fact is the average person spends nearly seven hours a day on screens connected to the internet, and that isn’t necessarily just for work. However, we can’t get it back when it comes to time with our kids. So push those devices aside, or put them in another room, and settle in for a great night of reading and exciting stories.

4. Get a library card. 

A library card can be an excellent resource for finding new and exciting books to read with your child. It also promotes a love for reading and learning and can be a fun activity to do together. And libraries are more popular than ever, with content ranging from books to movies and more. Over 174 million people in the country are registered at a local library. That’s nearly 54% of the U.S. population!

5. Start reading to your child, even before they are born.

If you’re expecting a new baby, there is no time too soon to start reading to them. Reading to your baby during pregnancy can stimulate their brain activity and support the development of early literacy skills and language abilities. Promoting literacy skills continues to be reinforced when reading to your baby after birth, even though they may not yet be able to communicate verbally. Despite their inability to talk, reading helps babies learn about their environment and fosters early cognitive growth. And if your baby is already here, no worries! It’s never too late to start reading together and establishing great reading habits.

6. Make reading together a family tradition. 

Making reading together a family tradition can create a sense of excitement and anticipation around reading time. It can also reinforce the importance of reading and make it a consistent part of your family’s routine. Plus, remember that reading is a healthy habit. Building healthy habits is essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being in the long term. Incorporating positive habits into your daily routine can improve your overall quality of life and reduce the risk of chronic diseases and mental health issues.

7. Don’t set a timeline for your child’s reading skills.

Encouraging your child’s love of reading is all about allowing them to explore at their own pace. Avoid placing undue pressure on them to reach certain milestones by specific ages. Instead, celebrate their progress and let them read whatever sparks their interest. Good children’s books can be fascinating for both children and adults, making them ideal for quality family time together.

Remember, reading is a joyful and rewarding activity that can open up new worlds and promote a lifelong love of learning. And remember how we suggested finding some books from your own childhood to read together? Well, here is where we insert our shameless plug: why not add books such as Curious George Visits the Dentist or The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist to your family reading list?

Reading books with your child will pay off in dividends. 

Reading books to your child is a rewarding experience that can create a deep bond between you and your little one. Not only does it promote early literacy skills and language development, but it also provides an opportunity for quality one-on-one time that your child will cherish. Remember, often the simplest things create the best, longest-lasting memories for your children. By sharing a book together, you’re creating a foundation of shared experiences that will last a lifetime.

If you’re the parent of a toddler, don’t be afraid to read the same book repeatedly. Many toddlers thrive on repetition, and revisiting familiar stories can help them to build important language and cognitive skills. Additionally, keeping a book in your purse or bag is an easy way to make the most of downtime, whether waiting in the reception room at the dentist’s office or enjoying a day out at the park. 

At Must Love Kids, we love books, too!

Reading is one of those lost arts that we hope to resurrect with our patients and our families. We hope these recommendations from your pediatric dental office in Vancouver, WA, will help you to start reading with your kids. Let us know how it’s going at your child’s next dental appointment. And let us know if you have any favorite books that we should add to our recommendations list.

Request an appointment with Must Love Kids today.

Discover the wide variety in baby teeth traditions.

1. A Visit from the Tooth Mouse

France, Spain, and a number of Latin American countries have a story not all that different from the tooth fairy. Often referred to as El Ratoncito Pérez, La Petite Souris, or other variations, this tradition tells of children being visited, not by a fairy, but by a little mouse.

Aside from that difference, the tooth mouse is nearly identical to the tooth fairy. A child will hide their lost tooth under their pillow, and the mouse sneaks in and takes the tooth away in the middle of the night, leaving money or another prize for the child. In some versions, the child leaves the tooth in a glass of water beside the bed.

2. Throwing Baby Teeth Onto the Roof

In some countries, families celebrate their children’s growth by throwing lost baby teeth onto the roof. This tradition is honored in many different countries, each with its own variations. 

In Greece, a mouse or other small animal is said to retrieve the tooth from the roof. In some countries, including India, China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, only the teeth from the lower jaw go on the roof. Those from the upper jaw are put on the floor or buried. Families will do this symbolically to draw the upper teeth down and the lower teeth up, helping them emerge successfully.

3. Sending the Tooth Down the Mousehole

While some traditions have mice or other animals visiting a child’s home to take a tooth, others have the child bring it to the mouse. In many cultures, children will leave their teeth near a mouse hole or other animal dwelling with the hope of growing teeth as strong as the animal’s.

In Afghanistan, children drop the tooth into a mouse hole or other burrowing animal’s dwelling. Other countries have similar traditions focused on squirrels and other animals known for strong teeth.

4. Making Tooth Earrings

Some cultures hang on to baby teeth rather than giving them away to the tooth fairy or small rodents. For example, many South American countries follow the tradition of turning baby teeth into jewelry. This might not sound too fashionable, but when the teeth receive a coating of silver, gold, or other metals, they make for intriguing pieces.

5. Throwing Baby Teeth at the Sun

While some traditions dictate certain hiding places for teeth, others take a freer approach. Some cultures throw the tooth upward into the sky and toward the sun. This tradition is common throughout Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt, where it is believed to date back nearly 1000 years.

Other cultures throw the tooth in the air hoping that a bird will catch the tooth. Some Latin American countries engage in this tradition alongside the roof tradition, with significant overlap.

6. Hiding the Tooth in a Shoe

The tooth mouse tradition has spread to many parts of the world, including several African countries. There, the tradition is very similar to its French and Spanish roots, except the hiding place for the baby tooth isn’t under a pillow.

Countries such as South Africa and Eswatini engage in the tooth mouse tradition by hiding the baby tooth in a shoe or slipper before going to bed. Parents will then swap out various prizes (including candy) for the tooth.

7. A Treat for a Pet

While we certainly don’t recommend the practice, some Central Asian nations still engage in the tradition of feeding lost baby teeth to dogs or other pets. The tooth is wrapped in meat or another treat.

This tradition is done in the hope of the child developing strong teeth like the dog or other animal. Another similar tradition involves planting the tooth by a tree in the hopes of growing strong roots.

Get your kids excited about oral health.

Tell your children about these fascinating traditions to encourage them to be more enthusiastic about their dental health. You can also share some interesting facts and trivia about their teeth. Another way to encourage your kids to stay healthy is to choose the right Vancouver dentist for kids.

Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry provides a comfortable experience and quality care as your Vancouver dentist for kids. Your child will have a great foundation for lifelong oral health by building a trusting relationship with their dentist. Book an appointment today to see the difference we can make for your child.

During the holidays, many of us try to spend as much time as possible with our families. While some families have yearly traditions, like decorating a tree, lighting a menorah, or cooking special meals, you and your family might be looking for other options for holiday fun to do in and around Vancouver, Washington.

1. Check out a seasonal book or movie.

What better way to get into the holiday spirit than by renting a holiday-themed movie or checking out a holiday-themed book? The Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries are the perfect stops to find something to read or to rent a family-friendly movie for a night in. The library’s collections manager has a list of holiday reading material listed here, which is a good start, but if you and your family are looking for a specific recommendation, any librarians will be able to assist you. Looking for suggestions? Look into learning how other cultures celebrate the holidays, including foods they eat, how they decorate, and what each culture’s version of Santa Claus is called.

2. Learn about textiles.

The Washougal Mill, where wool fabrics are woven into clothing and blankets, has been around since 1912. The mill offers tours where visitors can learn about the entire process, from start to finish, on how a blanket is made. Observe everything from the dye house to how weaving looms are operated; watch the yarn get spun into spools and how the sewers work in the sewing room. After you’ve taken the tour, you can always take a gander around the shop and pick up a holiday gift or two.

3. Go with the grain.

The Cedar Creek Grist Mill is a working grain-grinding mill and museum that is registered as a national historic site. The Cedar Creek Grist Mill was built in 1876 and is the only mill in Washington state that has maintained its original structure. 

The mill still grinds with stones that are hydropowered, or powered by water, to this day. There is also a covered bridge adjacent to the mill, making for a beautiful photo site. Spend a few hours seeing how the mill worked back in the day. Volunteers run the tour and operate the mill just as it was built—with no electricity.

4. Explore Vancouver, Washington.

Do you like scavenger hunts? Check out Visit Vancouver, Washington’s Find Your Couve. Visit the website and download a pass that lists nine different historical places to visit in and around the Vancouver area. Most of the destinations on the scavenger hunt can be walked to, with the exception of Vancouver Lake. So grab the family, grab a camera, start exploring, and take photos of all of the sites you visit on the Couve scavenger hunt!

5. Light up the night.

Who doesn’t love a good holiday light display? But how does a holiday light display of ships on the water sound? During the holiday season, be sure to check out the Christmas Ships Parade on the Columbia River. Throughout December, ships that are decked out in holiday lights float around the Vancouver Waterfront for all to see and enjoy. You can see the ships from the Waterfront Renaissance Trail, or you can make a reservation at one of the restaurants on the waterfront for another amazing experience. Check the website for dates, times, and parade routes.

6. Ride the rails.

Railroads and trains have a rich history in shaping the United States, and the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad is one of those. Home to a 1941 engine, the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad offers Santa trains during December for families to celebrate the holidays. The ride includes views of the Lewis River, and during the Santa rides, the big man in red himself will deliver a gift for each child. At the end of the train ride, enjoy warm cider or hot cocoa or coffee at Moulton Station.

Don’t forget your biannual visits to see us!

We know the holidays can be a hectic time, but it’s so important for you and your children to visit the dentist at least every six months. The team at Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry specializes in pediatric dentistry, and there is nothing we love more than seeing your children’s smiles and helping them get the best dental care available. If you haven’t seen us in a while, be sure to book an appointment for the new year!

People love stories. Although we can’t know for sure, it’s thought that stories have existed practically as long as oral language has—perhaps longer, if you count stories told without language, through mediums like cave paintings. Stories entertain us, but they also teach us about the world around us, about each other, and even about ourselves.

This is why stories make such great tools for teaching your kids about the world around them on topics as wide-ranging as nature, history, and oral health. It’s not always easy for kids to understand oral health or grasp its importance, so teaching them these concepts through stories makes the connection much more natural.

Stories teach your child what to expect from oral hygiene and dental appointments, but they do so in a fun way, by providing characters or situations for them to relate to. Finding a book your child loves can even build genuine enthusiasm for oral hygiene, making it easier for you to encourage daily habits that will keep them healthier now and well into the future.

If you’re not sure where to get started, however, don’t worry—we have you covered! Here are 10 dental books for children you can use to teach your kids about oral health.

The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss has a host of classic children’s books, many of which we enjoyed when we were little, too! The Tooth Book is a great introduction to teeth and oral health for young children because it’s simple and fun. Its rhyming scheme and fun illustrations keep kids entertained, but it’s also sneakily informative, teaching your little ones basic information like who has teeth, how many teeth we have, how many sets we get, what tasks they help us carry out every day, and how to take care of them.

Brush, Brush, Brush! by Alicia Padron

This little book is great for kids of all ages, especially if you’re just starting to teach your little one how to brush their teeth or need to find inspiration to make it more fun for them! The book teaches kids how to brush their teeth using a cute, simple rhyme full of alliteration, making it sound fun and stick with them later.

Even better, the book suggests that you sing the rhyme to the tune of “Do Your Ears Hang Low?” This adds an extra element of fun, but it’s also a clever way to help your kids memorize the instructions in the tune.

Sugarbug Doug: All About Cavities, Plaque, and Teeth by Dr. Ben Magleby

Explaining the importance of oral health to young kids is important, but it’s not always easy. Sugarbug Doug does a great job of personifying bacteria to explain cavities, how they form, what foods cause them, and how to get rid of bacteria and prevent cavities. It’s a great medium to explain why oral hygiene is so important.

The simple way this book approaches the topic makes it easier for your kids to understand, but it still has a ton of very useful information that will help you and your kids watch out for their oral health!

My First Visit to the Dentist by Eve Marleau

My First Visit to the Dentist is an informative but light-hearted book that teaches your kids how to brush their teeth, what causes cavities, and what they can expect during dental appointments. It does this by following the main character, Arun, through the day of his first visit to the dentist.

Arun is relatable for many kids, but he shows that the dentist doesn’t have to be scary—it can even be fun! The book also has a glossary in the back to define new or difficult words, helping your child understand the story better and increasing their vocabulary.

The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan and Jan Berenstain

The Berenstain Bears is another classic series of children’s books that many adults grew up with, and this particular book makes a great addition to your reading list for kids. In it, Sister wakes up with a loose baby tooth, so she goes along to Brother’s dental appointment to have the dentist look at it. There’s a good balance of story and information in the book, with plenty of relatable moments from Sister and Brother.

This book acknowledges that going to the dentist for the first time can be scary, but it also aims to set your child at ease by showing what a dental appointment is like, demonstrating how cavities are filled, and explaining the different tools that dentists use.

There’s even a visit from the tooth fairy at the end! Taking your kids’ fears seriously and dispelling them by helping them understand what their appointment will be like will help them feel better about their first visit to our dental office in Vancouver, WA.

Melvin the Magnificent Molar by Julia Cook and Laura Jana, MD

This adorable book teaches kids about teeth and the importance of oral health from the perspective of one of their teeth: Melvin the Magnificent Molar. By meeting kids at their level and engaging their imagination, the information in the book becomes a lot more interesting and fun. Plus, thinking about oral health and hygiene from the perspective of their teeth can go a long way towards encouraging your little ones to want to brush their teeth.

Why Should I Brush My Teeth? by Katie Daynes

Children ask a lot of questions, and answering those questions—especially in simple ways they can understand—isn’t always easy. This book answers all your little one’s questions in a colorful, simple way and uses moving flaps to keep your kids engaged while you read together. Its explanations are simple and fun, so it can go a long way towards helping your child understand why brushing their teeth is so important.

We’re Going to the Dentist: Going for a Check-Up by Marion Cocklico

If you’re looking for more engaging dental books for children to teach your toddler about going to the dentist, We’re Going to the Dentist is a great option! Its sweet storyline aims to encourage your little ones and frame their upcoming appointment in a positive light, all while engaging them using fun flaps they can lift and mechanisms for them to move. There’s even a little something for adults on each page: practical tips that you can use to care for your little one.

Your Child’s Teeth by Evelina Weidman Sterling and Angie Best-Boss

Teaching your child about their oral health and hygiene requires you to be informed, too, so it’s wise to add a book or two to your own reading list! Your Child’s Teeth is a great place for parents and caregivers to start. It has a ton of information about the daily care your child’s teeth need as they grow and develop, with sections on the basics of oral hygiene, taking them to the dentist, and affording care.

It also goes more in-depth by describing the changes your child’s teeth go through as they grow and providing information on topics like gum disease, tooth sensitivity, and orthodontics. Its range of topics and depth of information make this book a great reference on general pediatric dental care to keep with you as your child grows.

Teeth: The Story of Beauty, Inequality, and the Struggle for Oral Health in America by Mary Otto

For educators, public health advocates, and even curious parents, this book is a fascinating, in-depth look at the past and present link between oral health and socioeconomic status in America. It points out problems that existed in the past, many of which have continued into the present, regarding the availability and quality of basic oral care available to low-income individuals—as well as the issues like food pricing that lead to increased dental issues in these groups to begin with.

The author, Mary Otto, frames all of this as a massive public health crisis, explaining that these issues don’t begin and end in the mouth—they lead to increased risks of potentially dangerous health issues such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and more. While it’s a topic many Americans aren’t aware of, it’s certainly one that’s worth knowing about, making this a worthwhile read for any adult. I

t’s especially important for educators and public health advocates, however, because these issues directly impact kids. Knowing this can help frame the way you approach teaching children about oral health, areas you focus on, and what kinds of suggestions you make for oral care at home.

Whether you’re teaching your children about oral hygiene or preparing them for a visit to their kids’ dentist, books are a great teaching tool. They’re fun and engage your child, often so well that they don’t even realize they’re learning. Plus, reading these books is a great chance to fit in some quality time with your little one!

Taking the time to build these habits now will benefit your child for a lifetime and provide the framework for a positive experience with Dr. Mo at our office. To get started putting what your child is learning into practice by visiting the dentist, feel free to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mo at any time!

With back-to-school upon us, many parents of middle school children are on the hunt for school supplies and other items that will help bolster their kids’ education. As it has become so easy to turn to an electronic device, parents want to reduce the amount of screen time that their kids are getting. Though it is important throughout the year, the desire to cut screen time and encourage learning in other ways is more critical than ever. And teachers will tell you that graphic novels are a great way for kids to continue learning after the school day ends, rather than turning to video games.

Check out this list of 10 graphic novels perfect for middle schoolers

The team at Must Love Kids has put together a list of graphic novels that your middle schooler will love. Believe it or not, we’ve read some of these ourselves. And if we haven’t gotten to them yet, they’re likely on our reading list for this fall. Since we love shopping local too, we’ve made it easy for you to locate these books. We have linked each of our recommendations to the website of a local independently owned bookstore. We hope this will make it easy for you to get some great books for your middle schooler while supporting local businesses at the same time!

1. The Dog Man Series, Written by Dav Pilkey

Imagine a superhero that is half dog and half man, and you have the Dog Man. Readers of all ages will love Pilkey’s series, which is chock full of lessons of empathy, persistence, and kindness.

2. The Bone Series, Written and Illustrated by Jeff Smith

With 55 issues released between 1991 and 2004, these novels follow Fone Bone and his two cousins, Phoney Bone and Smiley Bone. Full of light-hearted comedy and some dark fantasy, this series has been wooing fans for ages.

3. El Deafo, Written by Cece Bell

Another great superhero option, El Deafo is perfect for those in grades three through seven. This story outlines Cece Bell’s hearing loss at an early age and the struggles she went through to fit in. Over time, she learned to harness her own powers and become El Deafo, Listener for All. Middle schoolers and parents alike will love this humorous memoir that embraces uniqueness and the challenge to stand apart from the crowd.

4. Pumpkinheads, Written by Rainbow Powell and Illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks

This hilarious story focused on two teenagers who discover what it means to leave behind a place and a person without regrets. Your middle schooler will love Pumpkinheads so much that they’ll be ready to keep on reading.

5. Hey Kiddo, Written by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Hey Kiddo is a poignant memoir about a child who grows up in a family struggling with addiction. From a mother who is an addict in and out of rehab and a father who is a mystery, Jarrett resides with his grandparents who never thought they’d be raising another child. The story shows how Jarrett pieces together his family puzzle, reconciles with his mother, and tracks down his father. A tough story to swallow, Jarrett helps to educate readers on what it takes to survive.

6. The Lumberjanes Series, Written by Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Brooklyn A. Allen, and Noelle Stevenson

This series of several graphic novels is published by Boom! Studios and tells the story of five friends who spend their summer at Lumberjane Scout Camp. But this camp is just a bit different than what might come to mind when we think of a summer cap. This camp is full of yetis, three-eyed wolves, and giant falcons. The series is sure to keep your middle schooler flipping the pages for more.

7. The Graveyard Book, Written by Neil Gaiman

This book was written back in 2008 but continues to delight young readers, especially those who love ghosts and thrills. The Graveyard Book will bring your middle schooler through the dangers and adventures of a perfectly normal boy named Bod, who just so happens to reside in a graveyard and is taught by ghosts.

8. New Kid, Written by Jerry Craft

The 2020 winner of the Newbery Medal and 2020 Winner of the Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award, New Kid is quite a delight and will be sure to bring some laughter to your middle schooler. Jordan, the new kid at school, has been sent to an elite private academy. Though this might seem prestigious and fun, Jordan would rather go to art school. Full of Jordan’s drawings, readers will find the main character to be both talented and relatable.

9. Noise, Written by Kathleen Raymundo

Published in 2019, this graphic novel tells the tale of a girl who just wants to be left alone. Noise also tells the story of a boy who loves to talk and has just one very important wish. Based on a true story, this heartwarming read teaches middle schoolers how to find joy in the most unexpected of places. A great read with full-color illustrations, adults will like it too.

10. Guts, Written by Raina Telgemeier

Guts is a true story, written by #1 New York Times bestselling author, Raina Telgemeier. This is the tale of Raina, who wakes up in the middle of the night with a tummy ache only to find out her mom has one too. But their tummy troubles don’t seem to go away. Over time, Raina learns that her upset stomach coincides with her anxiety about school, changing friendships, and even food. This story teaches middle schoolers to both face and conquer their foods.

Share your favorite graphic novels with The Must Love Kids team.

As pediatric dentists, we care about more than just your child’s teeth. Your child’s education is important. But even more so, we know that middle school can be challenging. We want to make things just a bit easier by sharing interests with you and your kids. We strive to provide a fantastic experience for all of our superhero patients. At our pediatric dental office in Vancouver, Washington, we love hearing about your superhero’s education and their favorite graphic novels and other pre-teen reading material. We know too that reading together is a great family activity and a great way to enjoy time with your kids.

So, at their next visit, be sure to encourage your child to tell us about the latest books they have been reading, especially those you have been reading together. In the meantime, if your child is due for their next trip to the dentist, be sure to request an appointment using our online form.

If you’re looking for toothy science experiments for kids, Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry has got some great resources for you. Check out these 5 fun science projects or keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to set up a plaque attack and other fun dental experiments for kids.

1. Apple Cavity Experiment

Want to show your kids the problems cavities cause when we don’t take care of our teeth? Start with this simple apple cavity tooth science experiment.

Materials:

• 3 apples
• A sharpened pencil
• 3 paper bags
• A sharp knife

Instructions:

Step 1: Take one apple and use the sharpened pencil to make five to 10 holes in it. Poke only one hole in the second apple and use the third apple as the control.

Step 2: Put the apples in separate paper bags and let them stay there overnight.

Step 3: Use a sharp knife to cut all the apples in half.

Results:

The control apple will appear normal, while the apples with holes in them will have turned brown, an early sign of decay.

Explain to your kids how the skin of the apple protects the insides, and when it’s compromised (like with a punctured hole), the whole fruit begins to rot, just like with our teeth. The hard outer surface of our teeth, the enamel, can only protect our teeth if it remains intact. Any break in the enamel may allow bacteria to accumulate and cause the development of cavities.

2. Plaque Attack Experiment

Now this may just be our favorite tooth science project here at Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry. Your little one gets a front row seat to the Plaque Formation Show, experiments like this one may just be gross enough to nudge them onto a path of good oral hygiene.

Materials:

• 2 cups of warm water
• 4 tsp of yeast
• 1 tbsp of sugar
• 2 plastic spoons

Instructions:

Step 1: Use separate spoons to add 2 teaspoons of yeast into each cup of warm water.

Step 2: Pour 1 tablespoon of sugar into one of the cups and stir the mixture. Remember to use different plastic spoons for each of your cups.

Results:

A brown foam will start coming out of the cup you added sugar into. Ask your kids to try and guess why this did not happen in the other cup.

As you discuss the experiment with your little Isaac Newton, talk about how sugar in our mouth also creates plaque, and if this sticky fluid is not removed through proper brushing and flossing twice a day, it can lead to tooth decay or even gum disease.

3. “Think Before You Drink” Experiment

Soda pops, energy drinks, and apple juice. Most of our patients here at your favorite kids’ dentist (Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry) love either all three or at least one. Some maybe even love these drinks a little too much. If that’s true for your family, try the Think Before You Drink tooth science experiment. It can help show your kids how much hidden sugar is in such drinks and how it can damage your teeth.

Materials:

• 6 clear disposable cups
• 3 soft drinks (e.g soda pop, energy drink, and a juice box)
• A bowl of sugar
• A teaspoon
• A permanent marker
• A notepad

Instructions:

Step 1: Use the permanent marker to label three cups with the names of the soft drinks you chose for this tooth science project.

Step 2: Read the label for each soft drink to find out the total grams of sugar in each. Divide this value by 4.2 to find out the number of teaspoons of sugar in each drink. Record your values in the notepad.

Step 3: Add the number of teaspoons of sugar you found in step 2 into the labeled cups and set it aside.

Step 4: Use the permanent marker to label the remaining three cups with a drink name and place each cup in front of its corresponding soft drink.

Step 5: Ask your child to add the amount of sugar they think is in each soft drink into the cup in front of it.

Step 6: Bring out the cups you placed aside that had the actual amount of sugar in each drink and compare the two sets of cups.

Results:

Did your little one guess higher or lower than what was actually in the drink? We often don’t realize how much sugar is in our drinks. But such hidden sugars in drinks are just as bad for our teeth as candy and chocolate is. Brainstorm with your child on how you can make healthier drink choices. Some great options would be to switch soda pop for milk and energy drinks with vegetable juices that are low in sugar.

4. Flossing Experiment

Flossing involves a lot of hand-eye coordination that can be hard to master for our kids, especially the younger ones. Doing experiments that involve flossing will help your child get some practice in. This tooth science project is a great hands-on activity to explain flossing and also learn why it’s an important part of any good oral hygiene routine.

Materials:

• Jar of peanut butter or any other sticky food product
• Rubber glove
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• A spoon
• Dental floss

Instructions:

Step 1: Put the glove on your hand. Spread your fingers apart and ask your child to smear peanut butter on every side of your fingers.

Step 2: Put your fingers together. Add toothpaste to your toothbrush and let your child try to brush the peanut butter away. Make sure you don’t separate your fingers throughout the process.

Step 3: While still pressing your finger firmly together, ask your child to use dental floss to clean the area between your fingers.

Results:

Even after cleaning the glove with a toothbrush and toothpaste, the dental floss still comes out with peanut butter on it.

Explain to your child that your fingers represent your teeth, and that no matter how great you are at brushing, peanut butter (or any other food particle) can still remain in the space between the teeth. That’s why it’s important that we also floss, so we can clean the places where a toothbrush can’t.

5. Egg Carton Toothbrush Painting Activity

Another tooth science project our Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry patients love doing is the egg carton toothbrush painting activity. It’s a fun, hands-on activity that teaches kids the importance of brushing and flossing. And as an added bonus, it takes less than five minutes to set up.

Materials:

• White Styrofoam egg carton
• Washable tempera paint (you can choose any color)
• 2 toothbrushes
• 12-inch string
• Bowl of water
• Toothpaste (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Flip the egg carton so the bumps are on top. Use one of your toothbrushes to paint the dips and bumps as well as in between each egg space. Let it dry.

Step 2: Dip the other toothbrush into your bowl of water. Add toothpaste onto the bristles and start brushing the egg cups to try and remove the paint.

Step 3: Next, use the string to remove any leftover paint in the space between each egg space.

Step 4: Rinse your egg carton in the bowl of water, and if there’s any leftover paint on the egg carton, repeat steps 2 and 3.

Results:

Using an egg carton allows your child to visualize the different areas of teeth that we need to clean on a daily basis. As you paint the dips and bumps and try to remove the paint between each egg space, your child starts to understand how it’s easy to miss some places if you’re not careful.

Have fun with these fun science experiments!

Try any of these 5 toothy science experiments on this list and let us know how it went through our Facebook page or during your next dental appointment at our Vancouver office. We look forward to seeing your smiles.

Several months of school-less days are fast approaching and soon “activities to keep the kids busy” (or some variation of that sentence) will be at the top of many parents’ search history. So in anticipation of the “Mom and Dad, I’m bored” outcries from our favorite patients, your kids, Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry has put together a list of 8 activities to keep your children busy during summer break.

Outdoors

Ah, the great outdoors, a place for our kids to enjoy the fresh air and soak in some sun. Where unstructured play is encouraged, nay, expected and imagination celebrated. By letting our kids play outside, we help foster a healthy attitude toward maintaining an active lifestyle, which (we hope) will continue into adulthood. To start you off, try these three ideas.

Bubble Paint Project

Ready for some bubbly fun? With tempera paint, straws, small containers, dish soap, white paper, and of course water, your kids can start making beautiful bubbly prints. Check out this tutorial for step-by-step instructions.

Play With Sidewalk Chalk

Hand your kids a box of sidewalk chalk and watch them turn your driveway and sidewalk into a canvas for their drawings. You can even mix cornstarch, soap, and paint; put it in a spray bottle; and let your kids run wild spritzing the contents on your outdoor concrete space.

Create an Outdoor Science Lab

No one said playing and learning have to be two separate things. Create a science lab in your backyard and let your kids engage their hands and minds. You can make slime, try the elephant toothpaste experiment, or even make a mini marshmallow launcher. The best part? There’s little to no cleanup to do afterward because the ground will soak up most of the mess.

In the Kitchen

For those days you just want to stay in and cook something up, Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry has some great kitchen activities you can try with your kids on summer break.

Salad Spinner Art

Now here’s something to entertain kids of all ages. All you need is a salad spinner, liquid watercolors, coffee filters, and cardstock paint. Depending on the age of your kids, they may not need much supervision with this tutorial. Feel free to also share your creations with us through our Facebook page.

Make Fresh Fruit Salad Pops

Popsicles are usually a great hit with kids during summer break. With this activity, your children can make their own tooth-friendly alternative to the store-bought pops. Try to involve your children in the process from the beginning. Let them pick the fruits, and if they’re old enough, they can even cut and stuff the slices into the pop molds. Allow the molds to sit in the freezer overnight and you’ll have a delicious cool summer treat the next day.

In Their Bedroom

Want to raise confident and satisfied adults? Allow your child some time to play alone. Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry doesn’t advocate for parents to leave their kids unsupervised for long periods. But children who learn to play by themselves learn to have fun on their own, and they’ll (we hope) stop counting on others for happiness or entertainment. Here are a few activities your child can do in their bedroom.

Make a Mancala Board Game

Making a mancala board game ticks all the boxes for indoor play: it’s easy to set up, a breeze to learn, and requires no clean up afterward. Provide your child with an egg carton to act as a board as well as some jelly beans. Here’s a nice visual demonstration on how to play mancala to help your child get started.

Decorate an Old T-shirt

Let your child decorate an old T-shirt to stretch their imagination and creativity. The time they spend alone with permanent markers working on their art gives them a chance to exercise their creative side. You may have already seen glimpses of their imagination in the bubble paint project and salad spinner art, but you’ll be even more amazed at what they come up with when they’re alone.

As a Family

Parents, just because we’re adults doesn’t mean we can’t join in on the summer fun. Take time away from the hectic demands of work and relax as you bond with your children. As a family you can:

Throw a Dance Party

Crank up your favorite tunes and start jiving to the beat. Want to turn things up a notch? Great. Learn a popular family dance routine on TikTok. Even if you aren’t a good dancer, the kids will have a wonderful time trying to teach you.

Keep your little ones busy this summer!

That marks the end of our list of 8 activities to keep the kids busy on summer break. If you notice any dental issues with your child, schedule an appointment with us. Through our cutting-edge dental technology, board-certified pediatric dentists, friendly team, and a fun atmosphere, your little one will receive the care and coaching they need for the best oral health. Until then, the team at Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry hopes you enjoy a great summer with your kids.

Temperatures have started soaring and the days are getting longer. Summer is right around the corner, which means that it’s almost time to fire up the backyard barbecue again! Between the fireworks and the feasts, the Fourth of July is one of the most fun holidays to enjoy this season. At the same time, it can also be one of the most indulgent! As you plan your festivities, don’t forget to add a few tooth-healthy treats to the menu.

Today, we’re sharing 5 treats that are not only yummy but are also great for your smile. With these simple swaps, you can kick back and enjoy, confident that you’re treating your teeth, gums, and taste buds!

1. Dill Cucumber Bites

When you’re craving a crunchy side, it can be tempting to reach for the family-sized bag of potato chips! While these nibblers can be fine in moderation, there are many healthy treats that also satisfy this craving. Enter, these delectably fresh Dill Cucumber Bites.

To make them, simply slice four English cucumbers into half-inch rounds, leaving as much skin on as you like. Then, slice one pint of cherry tomatoes in half and set your veggies aside.

In a small bowl, combine one 8-ounce block of room-temperature cream cheese with one small container of Greek yogurt (about 5.3 ounces). Mix in three teaspoons of minced, fresh dill, along with one teaspoon of powdered Ranch dressing mix. Transfer this mixture into a piping bag, or a plastic zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.

Top each cucumber round with a little dollop of the cream cheese mixture, and top with a cherry tomato half. Voila! A snack that’s tasty and healthy, with that satisfying crunch you want! Dairy products like cream cheese and Greek yogurt are great for your teeth, and the high-fiber cucumbers actually act as little scrubbers!

2. Patriotic Fruit Kabobs

Fruits are naturally sweet, which makes them an excellent healthy substitute for sugary summer treats. Looking for a way to incorporate them this July 4th? Add a platter of patriotic fruit kabobs to your dessert table!

Many recipes for this dish call for sticky marshmallows, but to keep it healthy and approved by your kids’ dentist, just replace those with bananas! To make the “flag,” start by adding about six blueberries to a skewer. Then, alternate between slices of strawberries and bananas until you reach the other end.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can arrange an even number of skewers on your platter. The first half will incorporate the blueberries on top, while the last half will only include strawberries and bananas. The result is a delicious, edible American flag!

3. Parmesan Chips With Guacamole

It would hardly be a party without guacamole! You might be surprised to know that our pediatric dentistry actually approves of this healthy treat! Avocados are chocked-full of potassium, which can help strengthen your teeth and lower your risk of tooth decay.

Blend a few ripe ones up with a little salt, lime, minced onion, and chopped tomatoes. In lieu of tortilla chips, try making your own parmesan crisps instead!

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and sprinkle shredded parmesan into small piles. Top each pile with a little pepper, and your favorite savory dried herbs. Bake them at 350 degrees for about five minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns slightly brown and bubbly!

To make these “chips” even healthier, add shredded zucchini and carrots! You can find the full recipe on our Healthy Recipes page.

4. Cheeseburger Sliders

You might think a dentist for kids would only recommend raw veggies as healthy treats for Fourth of July! However, we’re happy to report that you can still have your beloved cheeseburgers on this fun family holiday.

Cheese is low in sugar, and it’s also an excellent source of calcium and phosphorus. These two minerals keep your teeth healthy and strong. Research also suggests that eating more dairy could help you ward off gum disease!

Try making your patties smaller and making them into mini sliders for a fun party treat. Pick buns without sesame seeds or poppy seeds to help prevent food from getting stuck in your guests’ teeth.

5. Berry-Infused Water

Holiday get-togethers often include coolers full of sugary sodas and sports drinks. While these might be fun to sip, they’re also full of sugar. Consuming them in large quantities can cause bacteria to build up on your teeth and gums, which could lead to tooth decay.

Want a refreshing alternative? Fill a tall pitcher with water, and infuse it with your favorite seedless berries! Watermelon and strawberries are two yummy options, but you can also try apples, raspberries, pineapples, and more! This list of 25 recipes is a great place to start!

More Tips For a Tooth-Healthy Fourth

The 5 healthy treats above are a great addition to any July 4th party! As a trusted dentistry for children, we’d be remiss if we didn’t add a few extra tips to help keep your teeth healthy this season. Some of the other ways you can help your guests take great care of their teeth include:

1. Skip the toothpicks, which can leave tiny punctures in gums and encourage bacterial buildup. Instead, leave dental picks or wooden plaque removers in the bathroom or on a table nearby.
2. Serve ice crushed, not cubed (which can damage teeth if you try and chew it), or chill drinks in a cooler and skip the ice altogether.
3. Swap the bowl of after-dinner mints and offer guests sugar-free gum instead!
4. Serve seedless fruits and vegetables wherever possible to avoid those pesky seeds wedging between teeth.

Throughout the summer, don’t forget to stay on top of your family’s routine dental appointments. If you’ve been searching online for “kids dentist near me,” we’d love to talk to you about the services we offer!

Your Dental Home for the Holidays and Beyond

As you gear up to enjoy a great summer, we’re here to keep the littlest smiles in your family as bright and healthy as possible.

For more tooth-healthy tips, sign up here. If you don’t already have a pediatric dentist for your kids, consider us! Our dentists and staff members are passionate about creating a fun, friendly environment that helps your children thrive. Booking an appointment is easy. We can’t wait to see your smile.

Have you ever noticed that many young kids learn best by doing? When you teach kids in a way that keeps their little hands just as busy — and entertained — as their minds, they’re more likely to stay engaged throughout the lesson and retain the information. This is called active learning, and it can be incredibly useful to implement it at home when you’re teaching your children about the importance of oral hygiene. A science project often provides the perfect mixture of teachable moments and hands-on activity for your children to take part in. As long as your children are engaged and having fun, even simple experiments can do the trick! Here are 5 fun science project ideas that will make learning about oral hygiene a blast for your kids!

1. Stains on Teeth

When you’re trying to explain to your kids how different drinks can impact their teeth over the long term, you can use eggshells to carry out an easy science project that lets them see these changes for themselves. Eggshells contain a lot of calcium, so they make a good substitute for teeth in experiments like this. You can choose as many drinks as you’d like, but we recommend using a variety, such as a dark-colored soda, milk, fruit juice, coffee, and water as a control. Break an eggshell up into equally sized pieces, pour the drinks into their own cups, and drop a piece of eggshell in each.

You might want to ask your kids to predict which drinks will stain the shell, which one will stain it the most, and what other effects—if any—each drink might have on it. Let the eggshells sit overnight and check them in the morning. If you’d like, you and your kids can discuss the changes and end the science project there. If you’d like it to go a little longer, you can put the eggshells back in the cup they were taken from and check them daily for up to a week to see how prolonged exposure impacts them. Either way, this can be an incredibly easy way to show your kids just how much different drinks can impact their oral health.

2. Reveal Oral Bacteria

It’s one thing to tell your kids about oral bacteria and quite another to show them. After all, seeing a problem makes it feel a lot more real than simply being told it exists! Thankfully, there’s an inexpensive and easy way you can do this right at home. Plaque disclosing tablets are flavored, chewable tablets that turn the plaque on your children’s teeth bright colors. This helps your kids see the plaque on their teeth for themselves, helping to drive home how important it is to brush and floss their teeth thoroughly.

You can also use these tablets to help them learn how to brush their teeth well, as they’ll be able to see the plaque they’ve missed on their teeth. Plus, the colors and flavors that the tablets come in add an extra layer of fun for your kids; they’re sure to get a kick out of their mouth turning purple! This only takes a few minutes, but it can be a valuable learning experience for your kids that may even transform the way they view oral hygiene.

3. Egg Brushing

This experiment is similar to the one that tests how different drinks stain eggshells, but it involves working with whole boiled eggs to show your kids just how important brushing their teeth is. Get four cups and fill each with a different liquid, including a dark-colored soda, vinegar, fruit juice or lemonade, and water, and submerge a boiled egg in each before letting it sit overnight. Have your kids guess how each liquid will impact the eggs and write down their guesses. In the morning, remove the eggs and let your kids try to scrub them clean with just water and a toothbrush, then with toothpaste. With a little scrubbing, your kids should be able to remove or lighten visible stains and may even get a little gray-tinted stuff off eggs that don’t look visibly stained. You can then talk about how big of a difference the toothpaste made in getting the eggs clean, making the connection to their teeth and how much of a difference it can make for them.

4. Elephant Toothpaste

Making elephant toothpaste is a simple, fun science project you can perform with an empty plastic bottle and basic household supplies that you likely already own, like hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, food coloring, warm water, and yeast. It only takes a few minutes to follow the instructions to mix the ingredients in the right order. In no time, you’ll end up with a colorful foam that rises and oozes out of the bottle, looking very much like toothpaste when it’s squirted out of the tube a little over-enthusiastically. Your kids will love seeing this reaction! The foam isn’t toothpaste, however, so it needs to be washed down the sink when you’re done looking at it. You and your kids will have fun with this activity, but it also provides a great opportunity for you to broach the topic of oral hygiene and why it’s so important.

5. Dental Office Field Trip

Kids are full of questions, so one of the ways you can engage your kids in a lesson about oral health and hygiene is simply to let them ask their questions! Prepare a list of questions you and your kids have always wanted to know about teeth and go on a quick field trip to the kids’ dentist to involve them in a quick science project. When you get there, you can let your kids ask their questions and record the answers. This will satisfy their curiosity and let them take an active role in the learning experience.

You’ll need to call our Must Love Kids pediatric dentistry office before you do this to make sure our staff has time and is prepared for the visit, but we’d love to see you do this with your kids! Not only does it give them a way to satisfy their curiosity, but it gives them a fun, positive experience at the dental office and helps them feel more comfortable around our staff. As a result, this science project helps them learn about teeth, but it can also provide a valuable, positive experience that could help your kids’ future dental appointments go more smoothly.

A tooth science project is a great family activity that teaches essential concepts by engaging your children’s hands as well as their minds. Your kids will have a blast, and they’ll be able to absorb and understand the lesson behind the experiment more easily. This won’t just help them right now; learning about oral health and hygiene in a positive way when they’re young will help your children build healthy habits that will benefit them for a lifetime.

Raising a family and keeping a household together can be a daunting experience for first-time parents. Various bills and work can keep you away from your kids; however, it’s crucial to know how to balance family time with outside commitments.

What are some rewarding and positive ways to make your children feel prioritized and loved? Here are 10 fun things to do with kids and get the most out of your time with them.

Create some special memories with your family using these 10 tips.

1. Get some alone time.

Spending time as a family is great for making special memories and bonding. Try to find one day every month to spend some special alone time with your children.

Mark the dates on your calendars to show your children that you still prioritize them. Some fun things to do with kids include watching a play in the local theatre or going on a picnic. You can also do indoor activities as long as you spend time with your kids for the whole day.

2. Have special dinner nights.

Dinner with the whole family is an important time for bonding. However, you and your kids will be more eager to sit down and eat if you introduce a dinner theme. You can go for pizza night, taco night, egg night, pancake night, and so on.

Special dinner nights can also be an opportunity to let your kid join in with cooking. Cook together and talk about school or things that they did today. Cooking with kids can increase togetherness and family building while helping them learn life skills.

3. Enjoy nature together.

Spending time in nature is a great way to have fun with your kids and build an emotional connection. Something as simple as walking some nature trails or camping can help you connect with your kids. Enjoying nature is also another way to get your kid off their phone.

Not only is going outdoors beneficial for your kids, but you also benefit from it. The time you spend outside with the sunlight can give you plenty of fresh air and Vitamin D.

4. Be there when night falls.

Nighttime is when you should be present to help with your kid’s hygiene and sleeping. Create a bedtime routine to connect with your children before winding down. You can add fun things, such as a pillow fight or singing sleep songs.

Give them a good old bedtime story from books or real life, and don’t forget to help them with their oral hygiene routines, such as brushing and flossing. Make their routine fun by playing dentist or dancing to music while brushing.

5. Make chores a game.

Did you know that kids secretly want to help? Children who help with household chores see that they’re important contributors to the family. This helps with their self-esteem, connection, and responsibility.

It’s time to complete chores as a family rather than leaving it up to one person. Build a system for completing a larger task, like washing a load of laundry. Divide the tasks so you can have more time to sit down and watch a TV series as a family.

6. Join your kid’s interests.

If your kid gets completely absorbed in doing something they like, why not join them? If your child loves painting, break out the brushes and create a masterpiece for the wall. If they love playing video games, challenge them to a battle and show ‘em how it’s really done. Your child will see that you view their interests as important and will love showing off their skills to you.

7. Relax with family downtime.

Both you and your children may feel stressed and exhausted just from the daily grind of school and work responsibilities. Schedule some relaxing activities where you all can unwind and relax away from school or work. Try out new activities like swimming, exercises, or hiking to the top of a mountain. Find time to go on road trips or take a vacation. Plan family downtime by adventuring to a new place or organizing a tech-free day.

8. Take walks.

Every minute is important when spending time with your kids, so reduce your driving time. If you’re not late for anything, take the time to walk with your kids when bringing them to school or their friend’s place. Walking with your children gives you more unscripted moments and talking time.

Walk to places and hold your kids’ hands while talking about what they want to see or do before the day is over. Lessening your driving also saves you money and slows down the pace of your life. Take the time to find a quiet place to drink some coffee or read a book before heading to work.

9. Establish a morning routine.

When your children wake up, why not take five minutes to connect and have fun. You can cuddle together or do your morning stretches or yoga together. If your kids sleep alone, they may be needy for your attention in the morning.

Start the day right by creating a stress-free and relaxing morning. Try out mindful breathing to help regulate emotions and manage stress. Create a morning routine that helps your kid focus and enjoy the rest of their day.

10. Share and reminisce.

If you’ve ever made the throwaway comment, “You used to do that as a baby,” and had your child respond with, “Really? What did I used to do?” you’ll know that kids love hearing about themselves. If you’re looking to create a bonding moment, pull out some baby photos or tell them stories about their first word, first steps, or funny things they did when they were little.

Also, let them share what they’ve achieved today and, in return, talk honestly about your plans. By actively listening to them you will gain an insight into what is important in their world right now, and by sharing they will understand that mom and dad are people too, and not just the adults who make sure they eat a healthy meal and brush their teeth at night.

Have fun with these 10 things to do with kids!

Creating opportunities to put your children first creates a bond that can last for a long time. Your children will grow fast and soon leave the nest, making it harder to spend time together—bond with your kids with these 10 fun things to do with kids.

Spend your free time playing and teaching them skills that will set them up for a healthy and happy life, such as supporting good oral hygiene. If you need help with your child’s oral hygiene, we’re here to help you.