Fun Family Activities for National Children’s Dental Health Month

Did you know that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? We’ve put together a list of activities inspired by dental care with a fun twist to get your family excited about their oral hygiene.  

Why Tooth Brushing Matters!  

What you need: 

• 2 clear cups

• 2 eggs

• Vinegar 

• Cola 

• Toothbrush and toothpaste 

• A magnifying glass

What to do: 

1. Soak an egg in a cup of cola and the second one in vinegar. 

2. Overnight the eggs will turn brown and the other one will lose its shell. 

3. The cola one can show what happens if you don't brush (It will come off with a toothbrush and toothpaste). 

4. The second one shows that if the acid continually builds up in your mouth, it will decalcify, just like the egg. 

Make Toothpaste Slime

Create a cool sensory experience by making toothpaste inspired slime.  All you need is clear glue, liquid starch, food coloring, glitter, and some imagination for some slimy fun. 

Make Elephant Toothpaste

Okay, maybe this isn’t really for YOUR dental health, but it IS super cool! Adult supervision required.  

Make an Apple Smile Snack

What you need: 

• 1 Apple 

• 8 Tablespoons of peanut butter or nut-free alternative 

• 30 mini marshmallows 

What to do: 

1. Core and slice the apple into eight equal slices. 

2. Lightly dab the apple slices with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. 

3. Spread 1 tablespoon peanut butter onto the top of each of two slices of apple.  

4. Put a row of seven marshmallow teeth on one of the slices, on top of the peanut butter. 

5. Now, put a slice of apple (with peanut butter spread on already) on top of the marshmallow teeth. Press them together until they stick. 

6. Repeat three more times, and you’ll have four apple smiles in total. 

7. Eat! 

Do Some Toothbrush Painting

• Grab an old toothbrush, some white paint, and print or sketch an outline of a tooth. Using your toothbrush, paint the whole tooth with the paint as you practice your perfect toothbrushing motion. A tooth printable can be found here: https://playtolearnpreschool.us/dental-health-art/ 

Get Ready for the Tooth Fairy

• Be prepared for the Tooth Fairy by creating your own No-Sew Tooth Holder.  All you need is some white felt, a piece of ribbon, some glue, and decorations.  Follow these easy instructions (https://werefarfromnormal.com/easy-no-sew-tooth-holder-for-the-tooth-fairy) and you’ll be ready for the Tooth Fairy’s next visit!  

Read Great Books

Here’s a collection of some of our favorite books inspired by the dentist and dental health care: 

• Arthur's Loose Tooth (I Can Read Book 2) by Lillian Hoban 

• The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan and Jan Berenstain 

• The Crocodile & the Dentist by Taro Gomi 

• Going to the Dentist (Usborne First Experiences) by Anne Cirvardi 

• I Lost My Tooth! (Hello Reader!, Level 1) by Hans Wilhelm 

• Just Going to the Dentist (Little Critter) (Golden Look-Look Books) by Mercer Meyer 

• Little Rabbit's Loose Tooth by Lucy Bate 

• My Dentist by Harlow Rockwell 

• My Tooth Is About to Fall Out (Scholastic Reader Level 1) by Grace Maccarone and Betsy Lewin 

• The Prince's Tooth is Loose! (I'm Going to Read Series, Level 1) by Harriet Ziefert 

• Timothy tiger's terrible toothache (A Little Golden book) by Jan Wahl 

Practice Good Health Care 

• Keep track of your good habits by filling in a chart of your teeth brushing. 

• You should brush your teeth for two minutes a day, at least twice a day.  Make the most of it by picking and singing a fun song to help pass the time. While you’re at it, listen to some fun Toothbrushing Tunes the whole family will enjoy. 

• Review other important tips for keeping your mouth and teeth healthy.