More Teaching Ideas

Dental Health Challenge

Grade Level: Upper Elementary

February is Children's Dental Health Month. It' a great time to have students track their brushing, flossing and snacking habits for a week.

What you need

• Dental Health Challenge handout PDF — 1 per student
• Decide whether to have students complete the grid before of after you discuss ways to keep teeth healthy
• Stickers (optional)

What To Do

1. Discuss the importance of brushing, flossing and eating healthful snacks for keeping teeth healthy. Make the following points:
   • We have 32 permanent teeth. The best way to keep them healthy and to avoid getting cavities is to brush and floss every day.
   • Brush every day in the morning and before bed. Brushing removes food particles and bacteria that cause cavities.
   • Floss at least once a day. Flossing gets rid of food and bacteria between our teeth that the brushing does not get. Flossing and brushing work as a team to help prevent cavities.
   • Snack on foods from the Five Food Group Foods instead of the tip of the Pyramid Five Food Group foods help keep our teeth and gums healthy and strong.
   • Eat at least three servings of Milk Group foods, such as milk, yogurt and cheese. Foods in the Milk Group like milk, cheese and yogurt are "tooth buddies" because they provide calcium that helps keep teeth strong and healthy.
2. Have children track their brushing, flossing and snacking at home for a week by completing the "Dental Health Challenge" grid. The goal is to fill in four boxes each day or at least 28 total for the week. Children should complete the grid by filling in a box for each of the following activities:
   • Brushing after breakfast
   • Brushing before bed
   • Flossing at least once during the day
   • Eating snacks from the Five Food Groups
3. Award students a special dental health sticker or a special privilege.

These hand-outs require Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download.