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Are you looking for some fun Dental Health Week Activities for you and your kids or classroom to take part in? We have you covered!
Dental Health Week 2023 provides a great opportunity for a week of Oral Health orientated activities for all ages. From interactive workshops and crafts for our little ones, to informative sessions and challenges for adults. The House of Mouth team rallied together, we spoke to our suppliers, customers and kidlets, did some research and put together a neat guide for some great activities to celebrate Dental Health Week! So, in the spirit of DHW let us guide you through a variety of activities that strike the perfect balance between informative and fun – from children to adults!
In celebration of DHW 2023, in this article, we will explore a range of engaging and educational activities tailored for preschoolers, children, and adults. So, get comfortable and let’s embark on a journey of oral health together, exploring how Dental Health Week presents valuable opportunities for individuals of all ages to learn, engage, and foster lifelong habits for a healthy smile.
What is Dental Health Week?
Dental Health Week, organised annually by the Australian Dental Association (ADA), serves as a prime opportunity to celebrate, and prioritise oral health for all ages. This year, DHW focus is on the “Mouth and Whole-Body Connection”, homing in on the link and impact between oral and body diseases.
Dental Health Week Activities for Preschoolers
These engaging dental health activities for preschoolers and kindergarteners provide a valuable opportunity for young children to grasp the significance of oral hygiene. Through interactive experiences, they will develop an understanding of their teeth and mouths while gaining hands-on practice in proper brushing and flossing techniques. Rest assured, these activities are sure to be a success—because dental health matters!
Read a Dental Health Book
Ginger Mcflea Will Not Clean Her Teeth
A witty approach to teeth-brushing avoidance, a common childhood issue, with which many children and their parents deal with every day. In this captivating and enlightening story, preschoolers are invited on an enthralling journey of educational exploration of Ginger McFlea and her aversion to cleaning her teeth.
Guardians of the Gums
Join the Guardians of the Gums as they protect the Royal Teeth from the Sneaky Sugar Army. Meet heroes like The Incredible Brush, Flossinator, Fairy Fluoride, The Sugar Detective, and Captain Dentist as they battle to keep preschoolers’ mouth’s healthy in a fun and informative book.
Teeth Big Book
In this booklet children will discover the joy of having beautiful, strong teeth. Valuable lessons on dental care, including which foods to embrace or avoid, insights into the process of baby teeth falling out, and tips on making dental visits more comfortable are all found within its pages. Written, illustrated, and proudly printed in Australia, this book serves as an excellent classroom guide to maintaining a healthy smile.
Paint with Toothbrushes
Using our Printable Template. Create a custom puffy paint by combining shaving cream and glue together. Encourage children to use this special paint to simulate “brushing” large paper teeth. Add a touch of sparkle by sprinkling glitter on top, symbolising their dazzling cleanliness. This engaging activity allows kids to have fun while promoting dental hygiene awareness.
Floss with Duplo Block
Flossing with a Duplo block is a creative and playful way to introduce preschoolers to the concept of flossing. Start by explaining the importance of flossing and how it helps keep their teeth clean and healthy. Take a long strip of yarn or string and wrap it around the Duplo block to resemble dental floss. You can also add playdough between the Connectors on each individual Duplo Block.
Demonstrate how to hold the “floss” between the thumb and index finger, guiding it gently between the block’s “teeth” to mimic flossing motions. Encourage children to practice this technique, emphasise the need to be gentle and thorough while moving the “floss” between each “tooth.”
Dental Health Week Activities for Children
We’ve put together a list of Dental Health Week Activities for Children which provide engaging experiences to promote oral hygiene. These activities reinforce numerical skills, highlight the importance of dental health, and make learning enjoyable for young learners.
Count Playdough Teeth
Provide the children with playdough and our Printable Playdough Teeth Template. Encourage them to create playdough teeth, placing the correct number of teeth in each mouth whilst counting them aloud. This reinforces numerical concepts while fostering their understanding of oral hygiene.
Hang Sparkling Teeth
Using our Happy Teeth Printable Template have children cut out tooth shapes and decorate them with colourful markers or crayons. Cotton balls or tissues can be placed inside of the teeth as an extra step. Attach a string or ribbon to each tooth and hang them around the room to serve as a cheerful reminder of the importance of oral health and keeping our teeth happy and clean. These can be hung in the classroom or at home as a reminder to brush and floss.
Play Educational Oral Health Games
Playing educational oral health games adds excitement to traditional Oral Health Education. The Crocodile Teeth Counting Game is a simple and fun game which reinforces counting teeth with sensory stimulation and oral care education.
The “Toothbrush Treasure Hunt”, where children search for hidden toothbrushes around the house or classroom helps promote excitement for brushing.
Another game idea is “Tooth Trivia,” where children answer dental health-related questions to earn points, encouraging knowledge retention and fostering a competitive yet educational atmosphere. These interactive games make oral health education enjoyable and effective for children.
Reward children with fun and tooth friendly prizes such as sugar free Xylipops Lollipops, Chattering Teeth Wind Up Toy, or a Children’s Toothbrush.
Dental Health Week Activities for Adults
Dental Health Week Activities do not just have to be for our youngsters. Explore our collection of Dental Health Week Activities for Adults which promote oral hygiene, highlight the significance of dental health and contribute to overall well-being.
Mindful Eating Challenge
Engage in a mindful eating challenge to explore the connection between oral health and overall well-being. Take time to savour each bite, paying attention to the flavours, textures, and sensations. Notice how different foods affect your mouth, teeth, and overall digestion – both during and after consumption. Reflect on the impact of your food choices on your oral health and how it influences your body’s well-being by noting down some of the key points you have noticed and discussing these with your partner, a friend, family member or practitioner.
Self-Care Routine Evaluation
Evaluate your current self-care routine and assess how it supports both your oral health and overall well-being. Take time to review your oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning. Additionally, assess your lifestyle habits, such as nutrition, stress management, sleep quality, and tobacco use. Identify areas for improvement (these don’t have to be big changes, think small) and develop a plan to enhance your self-care routine for better oral and overall health.
Review When You Had Your Last Checkup
A lot of people often overlook the importance of this, however, take a moment to reflect on the last time you had a general checkup with your doctor and dentist, especially if you have Heart Disease, Diabetes, Alzheimer’s Disease, Lung Conditions, Inflammatory Bowel Disease or are Pregnant. If you are overdue, prioritise scheduling an appointment for a comprehensive examination and cleaning to maintain overall wellbeing. Regular checkups play a vital role in preventive care and contribute to a healthier smile and a healthier you.
Oral Health Advice and Assistance
Do you have questions about the products recommended to you by your Dental Professional or need help selecting a product suited to you and or one of your family member’s needs? One of our Dental Professionals will be more than happy to help – Contact Us today.
(07) 55 34 8603
