Embedded Files
Introduction
Start this lesson off by discussing what students already know about dental hygiene. Topics you might ask about include the parts of the tooth, number of times and duration of daily brushing and flossing as well as what types of foods can cause plaque in our mouths.
Watch
Choose at least one video to watch.
Learn about what our teeth are made of and how they work, the bacteria in our mouths and how to take care of our teeth.
This video is ideal for grades 3-6.
For our youngest students you can use this Blippi song to provide a visual lesson on how to brush teeth as well as use it as a two minute brushing timer!
This video is ideal for grades K-2nd.
This video covers what biofilm is and what happens when we don't take very good care of our teeth.
This video is deal for grades 6-8.
This video explains why ancient skulls have straight teeth while most of us don't!
This video is deal for grades 3-8.
Activity
Choose at least one activity to complete but enjoy as many as you'd like throughout the month. Click on the underlined titles to view directions.
Make Your Own Toothpaste
Make Your Own Toothpaste
4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp flavoring (such as peppermint extract)
Mix and store in an airtight container.
Extra fun: name your toothpaste and design a label!
This is a fun experiment with eggs that can show students the effect that different drinks can have on our teeth and the importance of brushing.
Oral Hygiene Awareness Posters
Oral Hygiene Awareness Posters
Have students use what they have learned about dental hygiene or through research to create awareness raising posters on the topic.
This is an experiment for students to learn how sugar makes plaque grow on their teeth.
Use a star chart to encourage young students to keep track of their brushing and flossing, a tooth fairy coloring page and a word search for students to look for oral hygiene related vocabulary words.
Brush that Tooth!
Brush that Tooth!
Cut the bottom off a plastic soda bottle and paint it white. Make a runny paste with flower and water, adding food coloring if you'd like. Let the mixture harden on the 'tooth.' Have students attempt to brush the flour mixture away, noting how hard it is now that the mixture is hard. This is a great activity to discuss regular tooth brushing twice a day.
You can also make your own plaster tooth for this activity.
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