Dental Health Patch

Troops should contact local dentists and other dental health care professionals for assistance with the patch requirements.

PATCH REQUIREMENTS

It is recommended a minimum of three of the following activities are completed to earn the dental health patch.

1.Each tooth is made-up of several parts. Draw a poster showing parts of the tooth. Label the following:

   A. Crown B. Root  C. Enamel      D. Pulp  E. Cementum

2. It is important to brush and floss every day to remove plaque. Make a brushing and flossing chart. Keep a record of the times you brush and floss each day for two weeks.

3. Have a dental health professional visit your troop to demonstrate the proper way to remove plaque by brushing and flossing. All Girl Scouts should bring in their own toothbrushes and floss so they can practice these methods.

4.Each day your diet should include a variety of foods from the four food groups: fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, meat, fish and eggs. To illustrate a well balanced diet, make a mobile using pictures from old magazines mounted on construction paper or poster board. The mobile you make should include examples representing each of the four food groups.

5.Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay. There are several ways to get the benefits of fluoride. With the help of a dental or other health professional, identify five sources of fluoride. Design a tabletop display showing the different sources. Places to contact for helpful information would include your local health department, dental office, pharmacy or library.

6. Sugar can be harmful to your teeth. Survey what items are available in at least three different vending machines. Are there items that do not contain sugar? Write a report about your findings. Suggest the kinds of foods that could be substituted for sugar-rich foods in vending machines.

7. Design a poster on how to prevent dental disease. Include all components of dental prevention: brushing and flossing, eating a balance diet, using fluorides and regular dental visits.

8. Many accidents can result in dental injuries. Construct a chart that lists various types of dental injuries and appropriate first aid procedures to administer. Be sure to include these injuries on your chart:

     *knocked out tooth       * broken tooth         * toothache   *bitten tongue

     * objects wedged between teeth             * possible broken jaw

Attach to the chart a list of dental safety rules to follow for preventing such injuries from occurring. Check with your school nurse or a dental professional for advice.

9. Smoking is a habit that can be harmful to your oral health. Make a display of advertisements that discourage people from smoking. Compare your advertisements with other advertisements you find in magazines that encourage smoking. Ask for permission to exhibit your display at school or somewhere in your community.

10. Find out about the kinds of careers related to dental health. Choose a career of interest to you and learn about its purposes and responsibilities. Make an oral or written report about the career.

Check availability of DENTAL HEALTH PATCHES from Council shop

UPC#56836