Young Author Wants to Improve America's Smiles

Bloomfield Hills High School sophomore Merrick Weingarten has taken it upon himself to encourage sound oral health among America’s children.

He published “Scout Brushes Up,” a children’s book that teaches young children about the importance of properly caring for their teeth and gums, including instructions on proper brushing techniques.

The story is told through a charming dog character, Scout, and his animal friends.

Weingarten said on his web site, www.scoutbrushesup.com, that the story is appealing to children because it is about a handsome dog desperately in need of oral hygiene help. He calls on his neighborhood friends to save him, and all the animals rally around to teach him how to take care of his teeth and gums.

For every book that is sold, he will donate $5 to the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation, which is known as America’s Tooth Fairy. The foundation provides dental care to children who cannot afford it.

The group is putting its stamp of approval on the book and is helping to promote it, and will also recognize Weingarten for his efforts with 2014 My Smile Matters Youth Award.

The book was highlighted at the 2014 Midwinter Chicago Dental Society meeting, and will soon be featured in an upcoming issue Registered Dental Hygienist magazine.

One-hundred copies of the book have been printed and all future copies will bear the stamp of approval from America’s Tooth Fairy.

“I hope to raise a lot of money to support children's oral health when it is not affordable on their own,” said Weingarten, who wants to become an orthodontist.

Weingarten is a journalist for his high school newspaper, where he writes about current events. This is his first book.

More information, including information about ordering the book, is available on his web site,