Using Dental Teaching Aids

Children learning how to use a toothbrush

Dental-health education is important because poor dental hygiene can lead to other health conditions. It can also complicate preexisting conditions. Lack of proper dental care leads to tooth decay from bacteria. This in turn leads to abscesses, loss of teeth and bone, severe pain, bad breath and infections. These infections can enter the bloodstream and cause disease in the brain, heart and many other parts of the body.
Good dental hygiene habits are most effective when taught early to children. Dental teaching aids can be used by teachers in the classroom or at home by parents.

Things You'll Need

• Toothbrush Large plastic teeth Floss Toothpaste Disclosing tablets or solution Stuffed animals (optional)

Instructions

Using Dental Teaching Aids

1. 

   Give each child a disclosing tablet and explain how they work. Disclosing tablets are small pink tablets that are chewed. They come in fruit flavors. Have the children look at their teeth after chewing the tablets. They will be surprised to see they have pink teeth, because the color in the tablets adheres to the plaque on their teeth. Plaque is the sticky clear bacterial substance that builds up on teeth. It is this bacteria that attacks tooth enamel and starts decay that leads to cavities. If children do not like tablets, there are also liquid disclosing agents they can swish in their mouths with the same results. By using these aids kids can see exactly where their teeth need more brushing and flossing.

2. 

   Demonstrate proper brushing techniques. In a classroom setting you can use a dental aid that is a large set of teeth and an oversize toothbrush. If you don't have these, you can substitute a stuffed animal with a smile or a drawing of teeth. Show the class how to hold the tooth brush at a 45 degree angle, how to go in a downward motion. Continue the demonstration to explain how to get all surfaces of each tooth clean. After brushing, you can explain how to use dental floss to get between the teeth. Have the children try it themselves to see that they are grasping the concept. They will be having too much fun brushing and giggling over the giant teeth to realize they are learning an essential health skill.

3. 

   Pass out new toothbrushes and toothpaste to the children. Explain how toothpaste works with the brush to remove bacteria. Give them a cup of water for rinsing. If there is a sink nearby you can also take a few at a time to use the sink. Have them brush their teeth using the techniques they have just seen. Remind them that the pink stained areas need special attention.

4. 

   Encourage the use of dental aids at home. There are a wide variety of secondary teaching aids available for use in the home. These aids might include specialty toothbrush holders, children's battery operated toothbrushes, posters and fruit-flavored toothpastes.

5. 

   Give each child a packet of dental care aids to take home. Most take home packs include a new toothbrush, small tube of toothpaste, stickers, disclosing tablets and floss. Some can also contain small toys shaped as teeth, posters and charts.

Tips & Warnings

• You can get disclosing tablets and other aids at your dentist's office or buy them from a dental supply store.

• Do not give disclosing tablets to very young children--they can be a choking hazard.

Resources

• Dental Health Care Guide For Children
• Dental Mart dental supplies