A new children's picture book aims to tackle a persistent challenge in pediatric health: getting young children to brush, floss, and rinse regularly. Jimmy Has a Hole in His Tooth!, written by registered dental hygienist Mollie Fennimore and illustrated by dentist Richie Gunnell, DDS, was released by Parker Publishers and is available at major retailers. The book, aimed at children ages 2 to 10, reframes oral care as an action-packed adventure rather than a chore.
The story follows seven-year-old Jimmy, who loves visiting his Grandma Ruby on weekends, where he indulges in sweets and skips brushing. One night, his toothbrush, Tommy, comes to life and warns him that a gang of "plaque attackers" has been drilling holes in his teeth. With the help of the Toothbrush Trio—Tommy the toothbrush, Flossy O'Malley the floss, and Rocky the Rinse—Jimmy learns to fight back and protect his smile. Each character has a distinct personality: Tommy is a champion fighter, Flossy a rodeo cowgirl, and Rocky a martial arts master, giving children memorable figures to recall each time they pick up a toothbrush.
The book's importance lies in its preventive approach. Fennimore, who has more than 40 years of clinical experience as a dental hygienist, was inspired to write the story after witnessing too many children undergo preventable dental treatment simply because they had never been taught proper brushing and flossing. "Children can become empowered to care for their own smiles," Fennimore says. "Ninety-nine percent of a healthy smile begins at home, and this book shows kids exactly how to make that happen." By embedding dental education in a relatable narrative—complete with a grandma's house full of treats and a lazy bedtime routine—the book avoids lecturing young readers and instead meets them where they are.
Central to the book's message is a reassuring philosophy: sugar is OK, but at the end of the day, we must brush those sticky bugs away. This approach avoids shaming children for enjoying birthday cake or a cupcake at a party, which can make them more receptive to the underlying health lessons. Gunnell's playful, hand-drawn illustrations, rendered in colored pencil and ink, bring the Toothbrush Trio and the plaque attack gang to life, capturing the story's humor and energy while keeping dental concepts accessible for young readers.
The announcement matters because early childhood caries remains one of the most common chronic conditions among children, and educational tools that engage kids directly can reduce the need for invasive dental procedures later. By turning hygiene into a battle against "plaque attackers," the book gives children a sense of agency over their own health. Parents, educators, and dental professionals may find it a useful resource for reinforcing good habits at home and in the classroom, potentially reducing the burden on families and the healthcare system.
