Official Review: TheLittleBook of Dental Questions

[MsTri]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "TheLittleBook of Dental Questions" by Marcia Mawae.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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In many ways, I still haven't matured from my five-year-old self. For instance, I am on a seemingly never-ending quest for knowledge, always asking, "But why" or "How" or "What about?" As a result, I am quite overjoyed that I spotted The Little Book of Dental Questions: (for scaredycats and others) by Marcia Mawae.

A dental hygienist, Ms. Mawae filled her book with interesting questions and answers, many of them pertaining to things that we've all wondered about at one time or another. One such query was, "What is the difference between plaque and tartar?" The author also answered questions based on the personal worries of patients, such as "What is this brown spot on my tooth?"

There are no chapter headings, but the tome seems to follow a logical pattern, starting with general dental questions, which are then followed by personal concerns. The questions are referenced by page number in the table of contents, so it's easy to find a particular inquiry. I prefer the section pertaining to facts, and my favorite piece of advice is to always close the toilet lid before flushing since bacteria from the commode can travel as far as 10 feet, thereby ending up on one's toothbrush or anything else within that range. I also really like the question about what to do when one has holes in one's mouth from missing teeth. About two years ago, I had two teeth pulled and may need a third one extracted soon, so I'm still trying to figure out how best to have those pockets filled. Thanks to Ms. Mawae, I now have plenty of food for thought. One of my favorite things in the book is the author's recommendation that the reader check with their personal dentist on specific problems, as this book wasn't written to answer any and all questions and issues that may arise in one's dental experience. Additionally, I feel that the author's emphasis on one's dental condition having an effect on one's overall health is a helpful point. I also like that Ms. Mawae explains the dental jargon that she uses, keeping laypersons from getting confused. At the end of the book is a glossary, which is a handy tool as well.

The information was given in a very factual tone, yet I never felt as if Marcia was ordering me around or preaching at me. One other thing that I found out in the introduction was that the author is a Christian. Each answer was followed by an appropriate Bible verse - for instance, "My Christian faith tells me, 'Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit,'" followed a section on how to properly brush one's teeth - and I really liked the tie-in. I didn't feel like these inclusions would annoy readers who are not Christians either.

Unfortunately, The Little Book of Dental Questions needs another round of editing. While none of the grammatical errors are egregious, there are still too many for a book of its length. The biggest problems are singular words that should be plural and extra words. In addition, there is one instance of awkward phrasing. Due to the typographical errors, I must give this book 3 out of 4 stars.

Overall, I am very pleased with this book and find that it added to my storehouse of knowledge. If I ever go on Jeopardy and am faced with a category based on dental facts, I'll have Ms. Mawae to thank when I run the board. In addition to potential game show contestants, I highly recommend this book for people who are considering dentistry as a profession, patients who are frightened by visits to dentists, and parents of young children who are concerned about dental hygiene.

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TheLittleBook of Dental Questions
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[kandscreeley]

So it seems that this isn't necessarily targeted to every child, but it's more for those who want even more knowledge. For those purposes, it would be informative. I am scared dentists and don't really care to know more. Therefore, I'll skip this one. Thanks for all the information though.

[Chrystal Oaks]

Knowledge provides power to better understand our world. I'm one who avoids the dentist's office however possible. Based on your great review, I will be able to have a better understanding of teeth.

[Faithmwangi]

To say I dread dentists is an understatement, to say the least. I recently visited a dentist office and am one tooth short. I like that the book is informative however I won't be following upon on it.

[hala-elnagy]

The Little Book of Dental Questions is an informative and helpful book contains an interesting questions and its answers. I really like this book and find that it added to my knowledge about dental hygiene, especially, for children.

[Ruba Abu Ali]

What an informative and pleasant book to read! Very useful in dental offices and households. Thanks for the candid and thorough review.

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

This book sounds like it would be a great book for myself and my kids. I have had quite a few dental issues in the last few years and I would have loved to have something like this to refer too! It is too bad about the editing, though!
Great review!

[gali]

A self-help book that gives about dental hygiene sounds informative. It is good that the author, a dental hygienist, explains her dental jargon. The tie-in between faith and answers is original. Too bad about the lack of editing. Thank you for the review!

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

I've never been to the dentists in my life and this was a great informative book for me.

[MeggyRed]

I am not one to just head to my local dentist at every toothache. But I do agree that your teeth are precious and you should treat then as so. I loved how the book gave you the feel of a conversation. The author never orders you with things like "You have to floss or else" she uses a simple gentle like tone. It definitely bring peace to me as I read and as she explains all the questions we can't ask in person.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

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3 out of 4 stars

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In many ways, I still haven't matured from my five-year-old self. For instance, I am on a seemingly never-ending quest for knowledge, always asking, "But why" or "How" or "What about?" As a result, I am quite overjoyed that I spotted The Little Book of Dental Questions: (for scaredycats and others) by Marcia Mawae.

I can totally relate to this. I never got over the asking -constant- questions phase!
This seems like a very useful book. I recently learned the fact you mention about closing the toilet lid and I'm sure there are a ton of other facts we should all know to take better care of our dental health.
I hope the book gets a better edition further along the line.
Thanks!

[Ellylion]

Sounds like a must-read to everyone seeking for knowledge in this field. I guess, this book has all the necessary information for those who are afraid to go to the dentist (well, me among them) Really sorry about the typographical errors, though. Thank you for the great review!

[Jsovermyer]

This book answers most dental questions. If you neglect your teeth, your whole body can be affected. This is a good book to have handy to use as a reference. Congratulations to the author for being chosen as BOTD. Thanks to the reviewer for your excellent review.

[aolayide]

"TheLittleBook of Dental Questions" by Marcia Mawae is quite informative and knowledge-full. I think I will keep this book for me and my kids. Kudos!

[Julie Petitbon]

This is a handy book to use as a reference. The author has decades of experience in the dental field and explains things in an informative and thoughtful way. I think it might be helpful for my daughter, who has dental anxiety. Thank you for your informative review!