Hey there! Today, we’re going to learn about how to keep our teeth clean and healthy. It’s super important to take care of our teeth, and visiting the dentist is a big part of that. Let’s dive into what happens during a dental checkup!
Going to the dentist is important because they help make sure our teeth are healthy. Even if we brush our teeth twice a day, like we should, there can still be stuff left on our teeth that needs to be cleaned off. That’s why we visit the dentist every few months.
When you go to the dentist, a special person called a dental hygienist will clean your teeth. They use a tool called a scaler to scrape off plaque, which is the stuff that builds up on your teeth after you eat. Even if you brush and floss, some plaque can still be there and needs to be removed.
Next, the hygienist might use an electric tool that helps clean your teeth really well. It might make a loud noise, but it doesn’t hurt. They also use a tiny vacuum to suck up water while they clean, which is kind of fun!
After cleaning, the hygienist uses another tool called a polisher. This tool smooths and shines your teeth. Then, they brush your teeth with a special toothpaste and floss them, just like you do at home.
Once your teeth are clean, the dentist takes X-rays, which are special pictures that show the inside of your teeth. The dentist looks at these pictures to check for cavities, which are small holes that can form if plaque isn’t cleaned off properly. Luckily, if you keep your teeth clean, you can avoid getting too many cavities!
It’s important to have a dental checkup every six months to keep your teeth healthy. Even baby teeth need checkups! By visiting the dentist regularly, you can catch any problems early and keep your smile beautiful.
If you live in Minnesota, you can learn more about dental checkups at GetCTC.com. If you’re in another part of the United States, there are resources available to help you too!
Remember, taking care of your teeth is important for your health and happiness. Keep brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist to keep your smile shining bright!
Toothpaste Experiment: Let’s see how toothpaste helps keep our teeth clean! Take a hard-boiled egg and soak it in a dark-colored soda overnight. The next day, observe how the egg has changed color, just like how plaque can stain our teeth. Now, use a toothbrush and toothpaste to gently brush the egg. Watch how the toothpaste helps clean the egg, similar to how it cleans our teeth. Discuss with an adult why brushing is important and how it helps remove plaque.
Dental Detective: Become a dental detective and observe what happens to your teeth after eating different foods. After eating something sugary, wait 30 minutes and then brush your teeth. Notice how your teeth feel before and after brushing. Write down or draw what you notice. Talk about why it’s important to brush your teeth after eating sugary foods and how it helps prevent cavities.
Role Play a Dental Visit: Pretend you are a dentist or a dental hygienist and invite a family member or friend to be your patient. Use a toy or a stuffed animal as the patient if you prefer. Practice checking their teeth, pretending to clean them, and explaining why it’s important to visit the dentist. This role play will help you understand what happens during a dental visit and why it’s important for keeping your teeth healthy.
