The National Home Education Research Institute recently shared that about 3.7 million students in the United States are homeschooled. If your child is one of them, then you might be constantly searching for engaging lessons on everything from math to oral hygiene. When it comes to the latter, you’re in the right place! Keep reading for four ways to teach your child about oral health while homeschooling.
1. Plan a Visual Demonstration
It’s one thing to say that flossing is important; it’s another thing to show your child why. Fortunately, you can create an impactful demonstration with three things you probably already have in your house: Legos, Play-Doh, and yarn. First, put a bit of Play-Doh between the Legos. Then, give your child a string of yarn to clean their Legos. This activity shows your child how food particles can get stuck between their teeth and why it’s so important to floss daily!
2. Buy Some Books on the Topic
Whether your child enjoys reading on their own or loves it when you read with them, it’s a good idea to stock up on some dentist-related stories. If your little one is close to losing their first tooth, then Arthur Tricks the Tooth Fairy by Marc Brown might be a good selection. Similarly, if their next checkup and cleaning is quickly approaching, consider picking up Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Jan and Stan Berenstain.
3. Take a Field Trip to Their Dentist’s Office
Field trips are a great way to bring what your child is learning about to life! So, don’t hesitate to ask their dental team if you can drop by for a visit. With some planning, the dental assistants or front desk team might be able to dedicate a bit more time to their visit, explaining the tools they use and the importance of daily brushing along the way.
4. Put What They Learned into Action!
Of course, the goal of buying books, planning field trips, and the like is to teach your child how important it is to brush and floss consistently. Each morning before school or each afternoon after they’re done with their classroom, supervise them as they complete their oral hygiene routine. To make it a bit more fun and less like homework, try playing a fun song or video. You can also create a habit tracker that allows them to see their progress each and every day!
About the Practice
Our team at Simply Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics loves helping growing smiles thrive – it’s one of our passions! However, we’re also here to be a resource for families in the Randolph area. Whether you need to schedule your child’s next checkup or you have a question about how to keep their smile decay-free at-home, we’re here to help you find the answers to any questions you have. If you’d like to talk to our team directly, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (781) 767-7200.