I learned the value of bribery with sweets and chocolates as a child when taken to see a dentist in Nottingham for the first time, and not that much about teeth. Children can learn about teeth in school or develop misconceptions about dentistry from media portrayal or the accounts of others. Children are naturally curious about their bodies and like to taste things.

A better alternative may be to teach children about oral hygiene and the evolution of dentistry treatments, such as cosmeticdentistryguide.co.uk/articles/root-canal.html, through a visit to one of the Nottingham Museums of Health and Medicine. Not only does the museum teach about how people have looked after their teeth through the centuries, but also about British dental heritage – how practices have developed, been bought, and about dental businesses for sale.

Some of the museums offer family history, tours, downloadable resources, games with dentistry outfits, puzzles, artifacts, and other educational interests for individuals, groups, schools and universities. Sessions also covering the topic of food and the importance of good nutrition. Teaching children about their teeth can their improve oral hygiene and overall health, inspire their curiosity to learn, and also may form the foundations of their interest in dentistry as a career later in life.