Dental Health Week Ideas
Updated: Aug 5, 2024
Dental Health Week is an annual campaign initiated by the Australian Dental Association (ADA), held during the first full week of August each year. The campaign's primary objective is to educate Australians on the best practices for maintaining optimal dental health.
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The campaign focuses on promoting four key messages from the ADA:
Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet and limit added sugar intake.
Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and preventive care.
This event is an excellent opportunity to teach children about dental health while also ensuring adults are properly caring for their teeth. Dental Health Week 2024 will be held from 5th to 11th August 2024. It always takes place during the first full week of August, making it easy to remember. However, marking your calendar is always a good idea!
Each year, Dental Health Week features a specific theme. In 2024, the theme is gum health, encouraging people to focus not only on their teeth but also on the health of their gums.
Below are some fun ideas to implement in your ECEC, Kindy and OSHC programs...
Brushing Fun with Puppets
Age: Birth-3 Materials: Soft-bristled toothbrushes, dental puppets with teeth, water Instructions:
Introduce the dental puppets to the children.
Demonstrate how to brush the puppet’s teeth using the soft-bristled toothbrush.
Allow children to mimic the brushing on the puppet's teeth, encouraging gentle brushing motions.
Sing a simple tooth brushing song to make the activity engaging. EYLF Outcome: Outcome 3.2: Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing. As children interact with the puppets, they learn the basics of brushing, which promotes their understanding of personal health. VEYLDF Outcome: Outcome 1: Children feel safe, secure, and supported. Engaging with familiar and comforting puppets helps young children feel secure while learning new concepts.
Happy Teeth Craft
Age: 3-5 Materials: White construction paper, red construction paper, cotton balls, glue, googly eyes, child-safe scissors Instructions:
Cut out large tooth shapes from the white construction paper.
Cut out small gum shapes from the red construction paper.
Help children glue the gums to the top of the tooth shape.
Add cotton balls to represent the tooth's surface and glue on googly eyes for fun.
Discuss the importance of healthy gums and teeth while children decorate their teeth. QKLG Outcome: Outcome 2: Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment. Through crafting, children learn about dental health and develop a sense of responsibility towards maintaining their own health. VEYLDF Outcome :Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing. Craft activities help children express their understanding of health and wellbeing in a creative manner.
Gum Health Science Experiment
Age: 5-8 Materials: Hard-boiled eggs, vinegar, soda, water, toothbrushes, toothpaste Instructions:
Soak hard-boiled eggs in different liquids (vinegar, soda, water) overnight to represent teeth exposed to various substances.
Observe and discuss the effects of the liquids on the eggshells the next day.
Use toothbrushes and toothpaste to clean the eggs and see how brushing helps maintain healthy teeth.
Discuss the importance of gum health and how it relates to overall dental hygiene. MTOP Outcome: Outcome 3: Children and young people become strong in their social, emotional, and mental wellbeing. This experiment helps children understand the impact of different substances on their teeth and reinforces the importance of good oral hygiene practices. VEYLDF Outcome: Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners. Conducting a science experiment fosters curiosity and critical thinking, encouraging children to explore and understand health concepts.
Early Childhood Theorist Link: Lev Vygotsky-Vygotsky's theory emphasises social interaction and play as fundamental to cognitive development. These activities engage children in social learning experiences, enhancing their understanding of dental health through interactive and collaborative play.
Extension Ideas:
(Birth-3): Create a sensory bin with toothbrushes, dental mirrors, and toy teeth for tactile exploration.
(3-5): Organize a "toothbrush painting" activity where children use toothbrushes to paint large tooth shapes, emphasizing the importance of brushing.
(5-8): Develop a weekly "dental health journal" where children can track their brushing habits and reflect on what they've learned about gum health.
Flossing Fun with Yarn
Age: Birth-3 Materials: Large Duplo blocks, yarn, playdough Instructions:
Insert playdough between the Duplo block “teeth.”
Show the children how to use the yarn to floss between the “teeth” and remove the playdough.
Allow the children to try flossing themselves, assisting them as needed. EYLF Outcome: Outcome 3.2: Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing. This activity helps toddlers understand the concept of flossing through hands-on play. VEYLDF Outcome: Outcome 1: Children feel safe, secure, and supported. With guidance, children feel supported as they learn new skills in a safe environment.
Healthy Food Collage
Age: 3-5 Materials: Magazines, scissors, glue, large paper tooth shapes Instructions:
Discuss foods that are good for teeth and gums versus those that are not.
Provide children with magazines and ask them to cut out pictures of healthy and unhealthy foods.
Help children glue the healthy foods onto one side of the tooth shape and unhealthy foods on the other. QKLG Outcome: Outcome 1: Children build a confident self-identity. Creating a collage helps children express their understanding of healthy eating and its importance for dental health. VEYLDF Outcome: Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing. This activity reinforces the connection between diet and dental health, promoting overall wellbeing.
Toothpaste Painting
Age: 5-8 Materials: Toothpaste, toothbrushes, paper, food coloring (optional) Instructions:
Mix toothpaste with food coloring to create different colours.
Provide each child with a sheet of paper and a toothbrush.
Let children use the colored toothpaste to paint pictures, discussing the importance of using toothpaste to clean teeth and gums. MTOP Outcome: Outcome 3: Children and young people become strong in their social, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Painting with toothpaste makes dental hygiene fun and reinforces the importance of regular brushing. VEYLDF Outcome: Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners. This creative activity encourages children to explore and learn about dental health in an engaging way.
Dental Health Role Play
Age: Birth-3 Materials: Toy dental kits, mirrors, puppets Instructions:
Set up a play area with toy dental kits and mirrors.
Encourage children to role-play as dentists and patients, using the puppets as their patients.
Guide them in pretending to examine and clean the puppet’s teeth, talking about the importance of dental visits. EYLF Outcome: Outcome 1.4: Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy, and respect. Role-playing helps toddlers understand and respect the role of dentists and the importance of dental care. VEYLDF Outcome: Outcome 1: Children feel safe, secure, and supported. Through role play, children feel secure while learning about dental health in a nurturing environment.
Eggshell Teeth Experiment
Age: 3-5 Materials: Hard-boiled eggs, various liquids (soda, vinegar, water), toothbrushes, toothpaste Instructions:
Soak the eggs in different liquids overnight.
Observe the changes in the eggshells the next day, comparing them to how different substances affect teeth.
Use toothbrushes and toothpaste to clean the eggs, discussing how brushing helps maintain healthy teeth and gums. QKLG Outcome: Outcome 3: Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing. This experiment visually demonstrates the effects of substances on teeth, reinforcing the importance of good dental hygiene. VEYLDF Outcome: Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners. Conducting experiments fosters curiosity and understanding of health concepts through hands-on learning.
Early Childhood Theorist Link: Jean Piaget
Explanation: Piaget's theory focuses on children’s active learning through play and exploration. These activities engage children in hands-on experiences that promote cognitive development and understanding of dental health.
Extension Ideas:
(Birth-3): Introduce a tooth brushing puppet show where children watch their favorite puppets brush their teeth.
(3-5): Create a daily tooth brushing chart for children to take home and track their brushing habits with stickers.
(5-8): Develop a "dental detective" game where children solve clues about healthy dental habits and find hidden dental health facts around the classroom.
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Dental Hygiene Sensory Bin
Age: Birth-3 Materials: Plastic teeth toys, toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes (empty), cotton balls, small mirror Instructions:
Fill a sensory bin with the plastic teeth toys, toothbrushes, empty toothpaste tubes, and cotton balls.
Encourage children to explore the items, feeling the different textures and practicing brushing the plastic teeth with the toothbrushes.
Talk to them about the importance of brushing teeth and keeping gums healthy while they play. EYLF Outcome: Outcome 3.2: Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing. Engaging in sensory play helps children become familiar with dental hygiene tools, promoting their understanding of personal care. VEYLDF Outcome: Outcome 1: Children feel safe, secure, and supported. Sensory play provides a comforting and exploratory environment for young children to learn about dental health.
Tooth Brushing Sequencing Puzzle
Age: 3-5 Materials: Printable sequencing cards showing steps of brushing teeth, laminator, scissors Instructions:
Print and laminate the sequencing cards showing different steps of brushing teeth (e.g., putting toothpaste on a brush, brushing, rinsing).
Cut the cards and mix them up.
Ask the children to arrange the cards in the correct order, explaining each step as they go.
Discuss the importance of each step in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. QKLG Outcome: Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners. Sequencing activities help children understand and remember the steps involved in proper dental care. VEYLDF Outcome: Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing. This activity reinforces routines that promote dental health and overall wellbeing.
Healthy Smiles Obstacle Course
Age: 5-8 Materials: Cones, hula hoops, jump ropes, pictures of healthy and unhealthy foods, toothbrushes Instructions:
Set up an obstacle course with cones, hula hoops, and jump ropes.
Place pictures of healthy and unhealthy foods along the course.
As children navigate the course, have them pick up the healthy food pictures and avoid the unhealthy ones.
At the end of the course, ask them to use a toothbrush to “brush” a large paper tooth clean. MTOP Outcome: Outcome 3: Children and young people become strong in their social, emotional, and mental wellbeing. The obstacle course combines physical activity with learning about healthy food choices and dental hygiene. VEYLDF Outcome: Outcome 1: Children feel safe, secure, and supported. This interactive activity promotes teamwork and reinforces the importance of healthy habits in a supportive environment.
Brush the Big Teeth
Age: Birth-3 Materials: Large paper teeth shapes, paint, paintbrushes, toothbrushes Instructions:
Cut out large teeth shapes from paper.
Provide children with paint and paintbrushes to decorate the teeth.
Once the teeth are dry, use toothbrushes and paint to “brush” the teeth, talking about keeping teeth clean. EYLF Outcome: Outcome 4.1: Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination, and reflexivity. This activity encourages creativity and curiosity about dental hygiene in a playful manner. VEYLDF Outcome: Outcome 1: Children feel safe, secure, and supported. Artistic activities provide a secure environment for young children to explore new concepts.
Download our Free banner for your bathroom and our Free Learning Story pack here..
Sugar Bug Hunt
Age: 3-5 Materials: Pictures of teeth with drawn-on “sugar bugs” (germs), magnifying glasses, toothbrushes, toothpaste Instructions:
Hide pictures of teeth with drawn-on “sugar bugs” around the play area.
Provide children with magnifying glasses to find the sugar bugs.
Once they find a picture, have them use a toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste to “clean” the teeth.
Discuss how brushing helps remove germs and keep gums healthy. QKLG Outcome: Outcome 2: Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment. The activity helps children understand the importance of dental hygiene and taking responsibility for their health. VEYLDF Outcome: Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing. This playful activity reinforces healthy habits and the concept of self-care.
Early Childhood Theorist Link: Maria Montessori
Explanation: Montessori’s approach emphasizes hands-on learning and real-life skills. These activities engage children in practical life exercises that enhance their understanding of dental health through active participation.
Extension Ideas:
(Birth-3): Create a soft book with images of dental hygiene practices for children to look at during quiet time.
(3-5): Organize a visit from a dental hygienist to talk about the importance of gum health and demonstrate proper brushing techniques.
(5-8): Develop a week-long dental health project where children create posters about gum health and present them to their peers.
Flossing Practice in Sensory Bin
Age: Birth-3 Materials: Sensory bin, playdough, yarn, large Duplo blocks Instructions:
Fill the sensory bin with large Duplo blocks and playdough.
Press playdough into the gaps of the Duplo blocks to represent food stuck between teeth.
Provide the children with pieces of yarn to use as floss.
Encourage the children to use the yarn to floss between the Duplo block “teeth” and remove the playdough. EYLF Outcome: Outcome 3.2: Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing. This sensory activity helps children understand the concept of flossing in a playful and tactile manner. VEYLDF Outcome: Outcome 1: Children feel safe, secure, and supported. Engaging in sensory play supports young children's learning in a comforting environment.
Brush the Teeth Sand Play
Age: 3-5 Materials: Sand table, white plastic spoons (representing teeth), toothbrushes, water spray bottles Instructions:
Set up a sand table with white plastic spoons buried in the sand to represent teeth.
Provide children with toothbrushes and water spray bottles.
Encourage children to dig out the spoons and use the toothbrushes to “clean” them with the water spray bottles.
Discuss the importance of brushing teeth and maintaining gum health while they play. QKLG Outcome: Outcome 3: Children become strong in their social and emotional wellbeing. This activity combines sensory play with learning about dental hygiene, promoting social interaction and emotional wellbeing. VEYLDF Outcome: Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing. Hands-on activities like sand play reinforce healthy habits and wellbeing through interactive learning.
Dental Health Water Play
Age: 5-8 Materials: Water table, plastic teeth models, toothbrushes, small cups, food coloring Instructions:
Fill the water table with water and add a few drops of food coloring to represent plaque.
Place plastic teeth models in the water.
Provide children with toothbrushes and small cups to scoop and pour water.
Encourage children to use the toothbrushes to clean the plastic teeth, demonstrating how brushing removes plaque. MTOP Outcome: Outcome 3: Children and young people become strong in their social, emotional, and mental wellbeing. This water play activity makes learning about dental health fun and engaging while promoting wellbeing. VEYLDF Outcome:Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners. Interactive water play encourages curiosity and active learning about dental hygiene.
Healthy Gums Sensory Bottles
Age: Birth-3 Materials: Clear plastic bottles, red and white beads, water, glitter, glue Instructions:
Fill the clear plastic bottles with water, red and white beads, and glitter.
Seal the bottles with glue to prevent spills.
Allow children to shake and explore the sensory bottles, watching the beads and glitter move.
Use this opportunity to talk about how brushing and flossing help keep gums and teeth healthy. EYLF Outcome: Outcome 4.1: Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination, and reflexivity. Sensory bottles stimulate curiosity and provide a calming way to introduce dental health concepts. VEYLDF Outcome: Outcome 1: Children feel safe, secure, and supported. Sensory play with bottles provides a secure environment for young children to explore new concepts.
Sand Toothbrush Painting
Age: 3-5 Materials: Sand, paintbrushes, toothbrushes, large paper tooth shapes Instructions:
Cover the large paper tooth shapes with a thin layer of sand.
Provide children with toothbrushes and paintbrushes.
Encourage children to brush off the sand using the toothbrushes and paintbrushes, simulating the action of brushing teeth.
Discuss the importance of brushing and flossing to keep teeth and gums healthy. QKLG Outcome: Outcome 2: Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment. This activity helps children understand the importance of dental hygiene through a fun, interactive approach. VEYLDF Outcome: Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing. Creative activities like sand painting reinforce the concepts of health and hygiene in a playful manner.
Early Childhood Theorist Link: Erik Erikson
Explanation: Erikson’s theory emphasizes the importance of play in developing a sense of competence. These activities support children in mastering dental health practices through enjoyable and meaningful play experiences.
Extension Ideas:
(Birth-3): Introduce water play with floating toy teeth and brushes, encouraging children to practice brushing in the water.
(3-5): Create a “gum health garden” sensory bin with different textures (cotton balls for gums, green playdough for healthy food) to explore.
(5-8): Set up a science station with microscopes and slides to examine how bacteria can grow in the mouth, emphasizing the importance of flossing and brushing.
Gum Health Ice Exploration
Age: Birth-3 Materials: Ice cubes, small plastic teeth toys, water, toothbrushes Instructions:
Freeze small plastic teeth toys in ice cube trays filled with water.
Provide the children with the ice cubes, allowing them to touch and explore the cold, smooth surface.
Give them toothbrushes to try and “free” the teeth from the ice, simulating brushing.
Talk about how brushing helps keep teeth and gums healthy. EYLF Outcome: Outcome 4.2: Children develop a range of skills and processes such as problem-solving, inquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching, and investigating. This sensory activity encourages exploration and understanding of dental hygiene through tactile play. VEYLDF Outcome: Outcome 1: Children feel safe, secure, and supported. Sensory exploration with ice provides a soothing and engaging way for young children to learn about dental health.
Download our Free banner for your bathroom and our Free Learning Story pack here..
Brushing the Shells
Age: 3-5 Materials: Sea shells, toothbrushes, water, baking soda, small cups Instructions:
Fill small cups with water and a bit of baking soda to create a mild cleaning solution.
Provide children with sea shells and toothbrushes.
Encourage them to brush the sea shells using the solution, mimicking the action of brushing teeth.
Discuss the importance of brushing and keeping gums clean. QKLG Outcome: Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners. This activity enhances fine motor skills and teaches children about dental hygiene in a hands-on manner. VEYLDF Outcome: Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing. Brushing the shells reinforces the importance of dental care while promoting sensory and fine motor development.
Tooth Fairy Fossil Dig
Age: 5-8 Materials: Sand table, small toy teeth, small shovels, toothbrushes, magnifying glasses, fossil identification chart, small containers, journal for recording findings Instructions:
Bury the small toy teeth along with other small objects like "fossils" (e.g., small plastic bones or shells) in the sand table.
Provide children with small shovels, magnifying glasses, and containers for their finds.
As they dig, ask them to carefully collect and examine each item with the magnifying glass.
Have the children use the fossil identification chart to identify and categorise their finds.
Encourage them to clean the teeth with toothbrushes and record their observations in a journal, noting the condition and any interesting features.
Discuss the importance of dental hygiene and relate it to the discoveries they made, emphasizing the need for regular cleaning to prevent "fossilization" of plaque on teeth.
Explain the cultural significance of the Tooth Fairy and other dental myths from around the world, encouraging children to share stories they know. MTOP Outcome: Outcome 4: Children and young people are connected with and contribute to their world. Explanation: This activity connects children to cultural stories and myths about teeth, fostering a sense of belonging and contribution to their cultural heritage while emphasizing the importance of dental hygiene. VEYLDF Outcome :Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners. : Digging, identifying, and recording the toy teeth and fossils promote active learning and understanding of both dental health and paleontology concepts.
Early Childhood Theorist Link: Howard Gardner
Explanation: Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences supports the idea that children learn in different ways. This activity engages various intelligences, including bodily-kinesthetic (through digging), logical-mathematical (through identification and categorization), and linguistic (through journaling and storytelling).
Extension Ideas:
(Birth-3): Introduce a soft toy dental kit for pretend play, encouraging children to take care of their stuffed animals' teeth.
(3-5): Create a “dental health” matching game with pictures of healthy and unhealthy foods.
(5-8): Develop a science project where children experiment with different liquids on eggshells to simulate the effects on teeth, emphasizing the importance of avoiding sugary drinks.
Gum Health Sensory Bags
Age: Birth-3 Materials: Ziplock bags, hair gel, red beads, toothbrushes Instructions:
Fill Ziplock bags with hair gel and red beads to represent gums.
Seal the bags securely to prevent leaks.
Provide children with toothbrushes to “brush” the gel bags, feeling the movement of the beads inside.
Talk about the importance of keeping gums healthy while they play. EYLF Outcome: Outcome 4.1: Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination, and reflexivity. Sensory bags stimulate curiosity and allow children to explore dental health concepts through tactile play. VEYLDF Outcome: Outcome 1: Children feel safe, secure, and supported. Sensory bag play provides a safe and engaging environment for young children to learn about gum health.
Toothbrush Water Play
Age: 3-5 Materials: Water table, large plastic teeth models, toothbrushes, toothpaste, cups Instructions:
Fill the water table with water and add large plastic teeth models.
Provide children with toothbrushes and small cups of water.
Encourage them to dip the toothbrushes in water and “brush” the teeth models.
Use the opportunity to explain how proper brushing helps maintain healthy gums and teeth. QKLG Outcome: Outcome 3: Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing. Water play combined with dental hygiene reinforces the importance of brushing in an enjoyable way. VEYLDF Outcome: Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners.This water-based activity encourages active learning and reinforces healthy dental habits.
Early Childhood Theorist Link: John Dewey
Explanation: Dewey’s educational philosophy emphasizes experiential learning and the importance of engaging children in hands-on activities. These activities provide practical experiences that enhance children's understanding of dental health through sensory exploration and interactive play.
Extension Ideas:
(Birth-3): Create a water play activity with floating toy teeth and toothbrushes to encourage brushing practice.
(3-5): Organize a “dental health” scavenger hunt where children find and identify items related to dental care around the classroom.
(5-8): Set up a “gum health” science station with interactive experiments to demonstrate the effects of sugar on dental health.
Gum Health Slime Dig
Age: 5-8 Materials: Large container, homemade slime (recipe below), small plastic teeth toys, dental floss, toothbrushes, magnifying glasses, small containers, water spray bottles, tooth brushing charts Instructions:
Prepare the slime using the following recipe: mix 1 cup of white glue, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and 2-3 drops of food coloring (optional) in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of saline solution and stir until the mixture becomes slime.
Fill a large container with the slime and bury the small plastic teeth toys within it.
Provide children with magnifying glasses, small containers, and tweezers for collecting the teeth they find.
Encourage children to dig through the slime to find the buried teeth using their hands and tools.
Once they find a tooth, have them use toothbrushes and water spray bottles to clean the teeth.
Introduce dental floss to practice flossing between the "teeth" they found.
Discuss the importance of keeping teeth and gums clean, relating it to the removal of "plaque" (slime) from their own teeth.
Provide tooth brushing charts for the children to take home and track their daily brushing habits. MTOP Outcome: Outcome 3: Children and young people become strong in their social, emotional, and mental wellbeing. This sensory slime activity promotes fine motor skills and reinforces the importance of dental hygiene through tactile exploration. VEYLDF Outcome: Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners. The activity encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and engagement with dental health concepts in a fun and interactive way.
Early Childhood Theorist Link: Maria Montessori
Explanation: Montessori's approach emphasizes hands-on, practical learning experiences. This activity allows children to explore and understand dental health through sensory play and real-life applications.
Extension Ideas:
(Birth-3): Create a soft sensory bin with items like soft toy teeth and toothbrushes for gentle exploration.
(3-5): Set up a water play station with floating plastic teeth and brushes to practice cleaning.
(5-8): Organise a "dental health science lab" where children conduct simple experiments related to dental hygiene and gum health. Download our Free banner for your bathroom and our Free Learning Story pack here..
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