This month stress the importance of regular dental care during National Children's Dental Health Month. For most children brushing their teeth is seen as a dreaded chore, terrible brushing habits, occasional flossing, and maybe a minimal rinse of the mouth. Here are some fun crafts that are sure to bring sparkling smiles to young faces.
Super Smile
Materials: scissors, tagboard, glue, miniature marshmallows, toothbrush, dental floss, construction paper teeth pattern
In advance, cut tagboard ovals (same size as the construction paper used to be the teeth pattern) for each child. Fold ovals in half to create "mouths" that open and close. Have each child cut and glue the teeth pattern inside the open tagboard mouth. Ask children to glue a marshmallow on top of each tooth in the pattern to create a mouthful of teeth. Allow models to dry. Have children use their models to practice brushing and flossing their teeth.
Tooth Fairy Necklaces
Materials: tooth-shaped white construction paper, hole punch, ribbon, film canisters with attached lids
Trace a tooth shape onto white construction paper and write I lost my tooth! Allow children to cut it out and put a hole punch at the top of the "tooth". String ribbon through the hole. Wrap the ribbon around a film canister lid. (the canister holds the tooth.) Keep necklaces until that wobbly tooth pops out!
Tooth Decay
Materials: eggshell, clear soda, clear cup
Discuss how eggshells and teeth are both make of calcium. Drop an eggshell into a clear cup of soda. Have children predict what will happen to the eggshell. Let the cup sit overnight and have children observe the results the following day. Explain that the sugar and citric acid in soda dissolve the calcium in the eggshell, making it soft. Sugar helps plaque grow on teeth. Plaque releases acid that eats away enamel, causing cavities and tooth decay. Connect the concepts to why it is important to brush teeth regularly.
National Museum of Dentistry in Baltimore
The National Museum of Dentistry in Baltimore is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. Children will love the hands-on exhibitions that will teach them about dental care through cartoon characters, such as Mickey Mouse and Fred Flinstone. Kids will be able to sing along with old time dental commercials and visit the George Washington Gallery where his lower ivory denture is located.
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