Discovery and Science

Inside My Mouth

Cavity Free Kids > Activities > Discovery and Science > Inside My Mouth
5

Supplies and Preparation

  • Hand mirrors.

Print PDFs:

Parent Handout - Dental Visits Are Important PDF

Parent Handout - Get Ready for the Dentist PDF

Parent Handout - First Dental Visit PDF

Instructions

Provide hand mirrors to children so they can look inside their own mouths like a dentist does. Encourage children to smile and frown, stick their tongues in and out, open only  little and open wide. Can you count your teeth? Help children count as needed.

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Activity Index

Going to the Dentist

Goal

Going to the Dentist

Big Bites: Things You Should Know
  • A dentist or medical provider checks teeth and applies fluoride varnish, takes x-rays, fixes cavities etc.
  • Everyone should have regular dental checkups; follow your program’s requirements for dental screenings, referrals, and checkup schedules
  • The dentist or a medical provider should check all children’s mouths by a child’s first tooth or first birthday
  • Young children may get fluoride varnish to strengthen teeth and help prevent cavities
  • Children and their parents may be nervous or fearful about going to the dentist
  • Families may need encouragement, support and information about why dental visits are necessary and important

 

CFK Throughout the Day

Throughout the Classroom
  • Decorate a bulletin board with pictures of dental tools children may see at a dentist office. Label them.
  • Hang a chart in the classroom called “I had a dental check-up.” Create a thermometer visual that you color in as children get their dental check-up.
  • Set up a pretend dental office for dramatic play.   
At Meals and Snacks
  • Ask:  Who’s been to the dentist?  What do you remember about the visit?
While Brushing Teeth
  • Be a role model.  Brush your teeth with the children to show you take care of your teeth too.
  • Talk about making tiny, tickly circles with a toothbrush to clean the food and germs away.
  • Give each child an “I brushed my teeth today” sticker to wear home Tell children the dentist will be so proud of them when he sees how well they have been brushing.
  • Have children pretend their brushes are like the special spinning toothbrush the dentist uses and make a humming noise while they brush.
During Transitions
  • When children are getting ready to go home, put a sticker on each child that says, “Today I learned about visiting the dentist!”

 

Activities for Early Learning