There are a few days left in February. Enough time to do a few at-home or in the classroom lessons on Dental Health. It’s important children are brushing at least twice a day. Flossing is just as important! Next month I will be taking my almost three year old to the Dentist with me to “observe”. We will then make her an appointment of her own shortly after she turns three. I want it to be a positive experience. I want her to enjoy going to the dentist every 6 months.
About a year ago, I switched dentists. I am happy with my new place but I sure do miss my old hygienist. Michelle started cleaning my teeth when I was 13 years old. My appointments were always much longer than they should have been because we spent so much time talking! Michelle saw me fall in love, get my heart broken, go to college, find my first job, my first house, find love again, have a baby, etc. We grew really close and I miss her. It helped make my experience much more enjoyable.
Anyhow, to prepare for my little one’s first trip to the Dentist, we are reading books about the experience. I found a few cute clips on You Tube like the one above about tooth hygiene. Finally, I found a great FREE printable, right up my preschoolers alley to practice her colors. The great thing about books like these, they are repetitive and great for literacy development! Young children will memorize the pattern, be able to recognize the colors and “read” the book to you!
Finally, I used to sing a song to my students about dental health. It was to the tune of the oldie (but goodie) Barbara Ann. Here are the lyrics!
Brush, brush, brush, brush all your teeth.
Brush, brush, brush, brush all your teeth.
Brush your teeth, Oh brush your teeth!
Brush you teeth.
You’ve got to brush them everyday
to keep the germs away, brush your teeth.
Brush, brush, brush all your teeth!
Floss, floss, floss, floss all your teeth.
Floss, floss, floss, floss all your teeth.
Floss your teeth, Oh floss your teeth.
Floss your teeth.
You’ve got to floss them everyday
to keep the plaque away, floss your teeth.
Floss, floss, floss all your teeth!