Dental Health Lesson Plan: Elementary Tooth Care Investigation

This free dental health lesson plan helps students investigate how daily habits affect teeth. Through observation, simple experiments, and discussion, students learn why brushing, food choices, and dental care matter. The activities are designed for Lower Elementary students but can be adjusted for nearby grade levels.

Overview

Students explore dental health by testing how different drinks affect a model tooth made from an eggshell. Over several class periods they observe changes, record evidence, and connect their findings to real-life habits such as brushing, flossing, and healthy eating. The lesson combines science investigation, discussion, and health awareness to build practical lifelong skills.

Subject Connections

Science skills are used as students observe change over time and compare results. English Language Arts skills are used when students describe observations, share conclusions, and explain cause and effect. Health education is emphasized through hygiene habits and decision making about food and drink.

Learning Goals

• Students explain why teeth are important.
• Students describe how food and drink affect teeth.
• Students demonstrate correct brushing habits.
• Students record observations and communicate findings.

Materials

• Eggshell halves (cleaned and dried)
• Clear plastic cups
• Water, milk, juice, soda, and vinegar
• Toothbrushes (class demonstration set)
• Toothpaste
• Paper towels
• Observation journals or paper
• Pencils and crayons

Preparation

Crack eggs carefully to keep large shell halves. Rinse and dry them. Label cups by liquid type before class. Fill cups shortly before the lesson. Prepare a chart for class predictions and a simple observation page where students can draw and describe changes.

Teaching Procedure

Each session fits a standard class period of 40–50 minutes. The investigation lasts one week with daily short observations.

Session 1 – What Do Teeth Do?

1. The teacher asks students why people have teeth and lists answers on the board. Students explain what happens if teeth are not cared for.
2. Activity: The teacher tells students they will test what drinks do to teeth. Using an eggshell as a model tooth, the teacher shows the materials (cups, liquids, eggshells, journals). Students draw the starting appearance of their shell, touch its smooth surface, and label it “Day 1.”
3. The teacher places one eggshell into each liquid. Students predict which liquid will cause the most damage and record predictions in drawings or short sentences.

Session 2 – Observing Change

1. The teacher removes shells briefly and allows groups to observe closely. Students describe color, texture, and smell.
2. Students record observations in journals using drawings and describing words such as smooth, stained, or rough.
3. The teacher returns shells to cups and leads a short discussion connecting sugar and acids to tooth damage.

Session 3 – Brushing and Protection

1. Activity: The teacher demonstrates proper brushing using a large model or poster. Materials: toothbrush, toothpaste, and visual diagram. Students practice the circular brushing motion in the air, then demonstrate on paper tooth drawings. Students explain what they must brush (front, back, and chewing surfaces).
2. The teacher explains plaque in simple terms as a sticky film that collects on teeth. Students identify when brushing should happen during the day.
3. Students predict which shells might recover if cleaned and discuss prevention rather than repair.

Session 4 – Final Observation and Reporting

1. The teacher removes shells permanently. Students compare all samples side by side.
2. Students create a final drawing labeled “Results” and write or dictate a conclusion about which liquids were safest and most harmful.
3. Groups share findings with the class. The teacher records a class conclusion chart about healthy and unhealthy drink choices.

Assessment

Students are assessed through participation, journal drawings, and explanation of results. The teacher checks whether students can explain why brushing matters and identify at least one harmful and one safe drink choice.

Differentiation

Students with limited writing ability may record observations using drawings. Advanced students may write short explanations. Pair students strategically so discussion supports understanding. Provide labeled observation sheets if needed.

Grade Adaptation

Grade 1 students focus mainly on observation and brushing routines. Grade 2 students compare liquids and describe cause and effect. Grade 3 students write simple conclusions and discuss sugar, acids, and hygiene habits in greater detail.

Extension Ideas

• Create a weekly brushing chart for home use.
• Graph favorite drinks and compare healthy versus sugary choices.
• Invite a dental professional for a question session.
• Design posters teaching younger students how to care for teeth.