Making oral care a hands-on learning experience keeps children engaged while reinforcing good habits.
Try these five fun and interactive activities at home to help your little one learn about teeth and dental hygiene!
1. Match the Teeth Drawing to the Diagram
Help your child learn about the different types of teeth and their functions with this fun matching activity! This simple yet engaging activity helps children visualise and understand how their teeth work together!
Materials
- Tooth template featuring different types of teeth
- Mouth diagram template with labelled teeth
- Scissors
Activity
- Cut out the individual tooth templates.
- Ask your child to pick a tooth and match it to the correct spot on the mouth diagram.
- Talk about the function of each tooth—incisors for biting, molars for grinding, etc
2. Brushing Teeth
Let your child explore the concept of brushing while improving their fine motor skills with this fun, hands-on activity.
Materials
- 1 litre plastic bottle (cut off the bottom to resemble a large tooth)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Homemade dough (flour + water)
- Tray
Activity
- Spread the dough onto the bottle to mimic plaque buildup.
- Encourage your child to use a toothbrush, toothpaste, and water to scrub it clean!
3. Tooth Hunt
This exciting treasure hunt helps children practice circular brushing motions while improving fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Materials
- Tooth template (printed or drawn)
- Tub filled with mud or sand
- Old toothbrush
Activity
- Hide the tooth template inside the tub of mud or sand.
- Ask your child to dig through to find the “hidden teeth.
- Once found, have them “clean” the teeth using a toothbrush!
4. Teeth Brushing Sensory Bag
A mess-free way to introduce the concept of brushing and make it a fun, hands-on sensory experience!
Materials
- Plastic sandwich bag
- Toothpaste
- Laminated pictures of teeth
- Old toothbrush
Activity
- Fill a sealed plastic bag with white toothpaste and place the laminated pictures of teeth inside.
- Ask your child to “brush” the teeth through the bag using an old toothbrush.
5. Music and Movement
Get your child excited about brushing their teeth by adding music and movement!
Materials
- “Brush Your Teeth” song by The Wiggles (or any fun brushing song)
- Musical instrument or a pretend instrument
Activity
- Play the song and invite your child to dance, move to the beat, or pretend to brush their teeth while singing along.
Encouraging learning through play makes new habits more engaging and memorable. Try these activities at home and help your little one build a strong foundation for healthy teeth and happy smiles!
Quick Tips for Parents to Make Toothbrushing a Fun and Effective Routine
Brushing teeth can be an exciting and rewarding experience for your child, and it all starts with these simple tips!
- 🪥 Lead by Example – Children love to mimic their parents! Brush your teeth in front of them so they see it as an important, everyday part of life.
- 🎶 Make It Fun – Turn brushing time into a mini celebration! Play a favourite song or use a toothbrush featuring their beloved character to keep them engaged and smiling.
- ⏲️ Use a Timer – Keep it fun and effective with a timer. Whether it’s a sand timer or a fun app, two minutes of brushing can fly by, making sure their teeth get the thorough cleaning they need!
- 💪 Encourage Independence – Let your little one take charge! Allow them to hold the toothbrush and practice brushing while you provide gentle guidance.
- 🦷 Choose the Right Tools – Soft-bristled toothbrushes and age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste are key to a healthy brushing habit.
By making toothbrushing a fun and interactive part of their day, you’re not only helping them develop a solid routine but also instilling a love for taking care of their teeth. Try these tips at home and watch their excitement and responsibility grow!
Books About Teeth: A Fun Way to Learn!
Reading about dental care is a fantastic way to make toothbrushing time more exciting and educational! Here are some engaging books that will help your child discover the world of teeth:
📚 “Brush Your Teeth, Please: A Pop-Up Book” by Leslie McGuire – A playful, interactive way to learn about brushing!
📚 “The Tooth Book” by Dr. Seuss – A classic that combines fun and education in true Dr. Seuss style.
📚 “Bear’s Loose Tooth” by Karma Wilson – A charming story of Bear’s wobbly tooth and his forest friends.
📚 “How Many Teeth?” by Paul Showers – An informative, fun read about how teeth grow and change.
Have a blast exploring the wonderful world of teeth with your little one! 🦷✨
