CHOMP!

A pediatric dentist drills into the growth and structure of teeth and how to keep them healthy.

Even readers with no interest in brushing up on the topic will be won over as Cantin energetically compares our teeth to those of sharks, elephants, venomous snakes, and other creatures while digging into topics ranging from types and colors of teeth to the purposes of retainers and nighttime mouthguards and the ins and outs of wisdom teeth. With help from Marega’s anatomical cutaway views and images of racially diverse, cheerfully grimacing children sporting both baby and adult teeth, the author demonstrates how plaque accumulates and cavities develop. Peering into a dentist’s office, he also points out some of the different sorts of experts at work there and identifies many of the tools of the trade. Following a nonjudgmental nod to performers and others who have decked out their “grillz” with gems and other bling games, this cheery Swiss import, translated from French, is capped by a pop quiz and recipes for foods low in sugar. Root canals, implants, and other surgical procedures go unmentioned, but there’s still plenty of specific information to chew over—along with the essential overall message about the importance of regular brushing, flossing, and checkups.

Breezy and informative preparation for prospective patients.