In this lesson, children learn about the different shapes of teeth and their different jobs. Children will draw a model of the human mouth on a paper plate with different shapes for different types of teeth. Skills developed include pattern recognition, shape recognition, counting, and drawing ability while learning about the important jobs performed by their teeth.
This lesson focuses on injury prevention, with an interactive presentation of mouthguards, bicycle helmets, and other protective gear. Accompanying worksheets help children practice making healthy decisions. Skills developed in this lesson are comparing similarities and differences, cause and effect, and drawing/coloring skills.
A good choice for organizations that present to parents and children, this kit is a great way to educate about healthy behaviors. With high impact visuals of baby and permanent teeth, kids and parents will gain a new appreciation for the role of forming positive habits and of primary teeth.
A lesson about the power of a toothbrusht that also strengthens pattern recognition skills. A great choice for early elementary children.
A lesson about the food we eat! Children find out how much sugar is in common foods and whether this is "a litte" or "a lot." This lesson is ideal for students learning about counting, comparative values, or the math of conversions. With the epidemic of childhood obesity and increasing numbers of children developing insulin resistance, this is a timely topic to benefit oral and overall health!
It's no surprise that oral health and total body health go together, and this lesson helps students learn about healthy eating habits to prevent cavities. A magnetic board helps students visualize which types of snacks will stick to tooth surfaces and cause decay.
Pre-K students will appreciate this interactive lesson about the relationship between teeth and gums. Who doesn't love a puzzle!
Toothfairy Island kits are often called a "Teacher in a Box." The lessons scripts are meant to be approachable for many different groups. They are written at a 6th grade reading level and are available in English or Spanish. In addition, kits include props and visual aids to help you engage the students.
-
Colors
-
Shapes
-
Measurement (small, large, short, long, etc.)
-
Opposites (big and small, slow and fast, hard and soft, etc.)
-
Grouping objects that relate to each other (lock with key, umbrella with rain, bird with nest, etc.)
If you have ever suffered through a dental emergency, you likely are eager to avoid repeating the experience. True, some situations cannot be anticipated, but there are steps that you can take to steer clear of sudden dental pain and infection. Below are a few of our suggestions to help keep patients smiling.
1) Seek Regular Preventive Care: Your dentist will recommend a dental cleaning, periodic evaluation, and x-rays on an interval that is customized to your dental risk. For some people with low risk, this may mean going more than 6 months between cleanings. For others, it could mean we recommend treatment of your teeth and gums every 3-4 months to prevent complications from periodontitis (a disease of the bones and gums surrounding your teeth.) It is important to remember that your dentist can detect problems sooner than you may feel them: dental cavities are not typically painful in their early stages, and by the time a patient can feel a tooth "loosening" due to gum disease there may not be much we can do to prevent the tooth loss.
2) Pay Attention to the Early Warning Signs From Your Mouth: Over the years, I have heard numerous patients who arrive to our office in pain report that their symptoms began "last year" or "3 months ago." Many things may keep patients from seeing the dentist (anxiety, financial concerns, busy schedules, hope that the problem will just "go away"), but delaying treatment will only cost you more pain and suffering. Dental pain that is ignored can result in spreading infection, that may be life threatening.
3) Make Healthy Choices Each Day For Your Dental Health: The best way to avoid dental emergencies is to do your "homework." Brush with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes twice each day, and floss before bed! Avoid sipping on soda (even diet!) or sweet tea, which can contribute to cavities. Wear a mouthguard for sports or other activities when your mouth may be hit. See your medical doctor regularly to take care of your overall health, especially conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Believe it or not, cardiovascular disease and diabetes are related to your oral health! Also, if your blood sugar or blood pressure are not in a healthy range, it may result in a delay to emergency dental treatment. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes typically take longer to heal after dental extractions and are at greater risk for pain and infection after treatment. Working with your doctor (and following dietary recommendations) to keep your health in check will help make your dental treatment less complicated.
