Caring For Teeth
Background Information & Activities

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Proper oral hygiene is an important part of growing strong teeth and maintaining a healthy mouth. This movie will identify major parts of the teeth, including the root, crown, and enamel. It will also share tips on how to properly brush and floss teeth to remove plaque and clean and protect teeth. Different methods are suitable for different children, so we strongly recommend that children learn proper brushing and flossing from their dentists and learn the proper techniques that suit their needs. We also highly recommend that caregivers supervise as their children brush and floss to give feedback and instill healthy practices.

What are teeth? Have your children point to their teeth inside their mouths. If possible, have children wash their hands thoroughly and use a mirror to explore what is inside their mouths. Parts of the teeth are covered by gums, which are the pink, fleshy parts below or above teeth. The crown is the part of the tooth you can see, and the root is the part covered by the gums. Explain to your children that most of the tooth is actually the root, but it is just hidden under the gums. About two-thirds of the tooth is the root. The root grows into the jawbone and helps keep the tooth in place. Teeth are covered by enamel, which is the hardest substance in the body. Discuss with your children why enamel is so tough. Teeth help cut, grasp, tear, and chew food into small pieces that can be swallowed and digested. In fact, the digestive system begins at the mouth. For this reason, it is important to care for teeth and maintain good oral health.

Have your children eat a snack. As they chew explain that when they eat, tiny bits of food get suck on and between the teeth. Plaque is a soft, sticky substance that can form on teeth. Bacteria in plaque can cause problems if it is not removed. Over time, plaque can cause cavities to form. Remind your children that a cavity is a small hole that can form in the enamel and weaken it and cause pain or discomfort. However, brushing and flossing helps remove plaque and protect teeth. Dentists recommend that everyone brush at least twice a day, in the morning and before bed, and recommend brushing after eating meals or sweet snacks whenever possible.

There are different ways to brush teeth and children should work with their dentists to find the method that is right for them. In general, dentists recommend that children use toothbrushes with soft bristles. Only a small amount of toothpaste is needed, about the size of a pea. There are many different kinds of toothpaste on the market, and many contain fluoride, which can help strengthen teeth. Children and caregivers should ask the family dentist to choose the toothpaste that is right for them. To brush teeth, carefully place the toothbrush at an angle against the teeth. Then, gently brush using small circles. It is important to use a gentle, light motion. Pushing too hard can harm gums and teeth. Use small circles to brush the crowns of all the teeth, including the ones in the very back. Make sure to brush both the inner and outer sides of the teeth, as well as the backs of the front teeth. It should take about two to three minutes to properly brush teeth. Many children take just a few seconds to brush their teeth. We recommend using a timer or playing a song to make sure children brush for the right amount of time.

Dental floss is a special thin string used to clean between teeth. We recommend that caregivers help their children floss and supervise them to make sure they are using proper techniques. First take a piece of floss and hold it between your fingers. Then slowly move the floss back and forth as you slide it between your teeth. Curve the floss around each tooth and gently move it back and forth between the teeth and gums to remove debris and plaque. Make sure to floss between all your teeth, including the ones in the back. Explain to your children that their gums might bleed or feel a little sore after flossing the first few times. However, it gets easier as they floss more. Together, brushing and flossing help clean and protect teeth and gums.

While brushing and flossing are important parts of good oral hygiene, there are other things children can do to help keep their teeth and gums healthy. They can visit their dentist regularly to get check-ups. They can avoid sugary drinks and foods; sugar helps plaque grow and causes cavities to form faster. Children can also eat foods high in calcium, a mineral the body uses to grow strong teeth and bones. Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, as well as dark green vegetables like spinach and broccoli, are high in calcium.

Help your children understand that they will use their teeth everyday for the rest of their lives, so it's important to take care of them. Teach and encourage your children to practice good oral hygiene to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Caring For Teeth Teacher Activities – Click Here!

Caring For Teeth Family Activities – Click Here!

Caring For Teeth Teacher Activities

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Brush Together

Have your students bring in a toothbrush to class. If possible, give small groups a mirror. Then review the steps for brushing teeth together. Group members can coach and remind each other about proper techniques. You may want to play a 2-3 minute song or use a timer to illustrate how long they should brush. You can also create a checklist for groups to make sure students brush all their teeth: the very back teeth, inner and outer sides of the teeth, back of the front teeth, etc. Walk around the class and monitor groups to make sure they are brushing safely.

Talk to a Dentist

If possible, invite a dentist to talk to your class. He or she can teach and review proper ways to brush and floss and answer questions about oral hygiene. The dentist can also discuss the importance of regular check-ups and explain exactly what happens at the dentist's office to minimize any anxieties or fears. You may wish to brainstorm a list of questions to ask the dentist before the visit.

Caring For Teeth Family Activities

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Brush and Floss Together

Make sure your child remembers to brush his or her teeth at least twice a day. Dentists recommend brushing after eating meals or sweet snacks. Many children do not brush after lunch when they are in school, but on the weekends and holidays they can! Make brushing and flossing together a part of your daily routine and try to brush after lunch on the weekends. Use a timer or play a song to make sure you and your child brushes for the right amount of time. Promoting good oral hygiene now will guard against potential problems in the future.

Floss Time

Many dentists will say that flossing is more important than brushing! Dentists recommend helping children under nine years old when they floss. Take time to help your child floss properly. Model good habits by flossing your own teeth and having your child observe closely. Then help your child floss his or her own teeth. You may want to floss a few teeth for your child and then have him or her take over. Don't forget to rinse after!