The student will:

• observe dental experiments pertaining to enamel enemies and stains on the teeth
• follow written and oral directions to make homemade toothpaste
• practice proper brushing techniques
• brainstorm questions for field trip to the dentist
• watch "Dudley" movie on American Dental Association web site

Materials:

Enamel Enemies Experiment:

• raw egg
• vinegar
• glass

• egg shells
• beakers
• different brands of soda, tea, coffee, water, juices

• Calcium carbonate (chalk)
• sugar substitute
• baking soda
• essence of peppermint
• teaspoon
• mortar and pestle
• small containers
• plastic spoon

• toothbrushes for each child
• daily brushing calendar
• paper and pencil

Technology Tools: Internet accessible computer, Projection Device

Teacher Notes:

• Prepare the experiments the evening or day before. If students participate, observe safety procedures.
• Preview the American Dental Association site.  To find the Dudley video click on The Public link and then click on kids' corner.
• Obtain needed materials.
• Obtain toothbrushes for each student.
• Prepare permission forms for field trip to the dentist office. Obtain county-approved permission/medical forms.
• Confirm with dentist the plans for the field trip.
• Obtain Acceptable Use Policy/Permission for each student.

Enamel Enemies:
1. Soak a raw egg in vinegar overnight. The acid will soften the shell just as acid in the mouth can cause a tooth to weaken and decay.
2. Explain to students that the enamel is the thin outer layering that protects the tooth pulp and nerve endings inside.
3. Discuss what happens to the inside layers when the enamel is eaten away by acid in the mouth. When the pulp is exposed, a toothache occurs.

Stains on Your Teeth:
1. Place a small amount of dark soda in a beaker.
2. Add egg shells to the beaker.
3. Repeat with other drinks such as tea, coffee, juices, light colored sodas.
4. Set up one beaker with water as a control.
5. Set the beakers on table overnight.
6. The next day, pour the liquids off but save the egg shells.
7. Compare the color of the egg shells from the different beakers.

Homemade Toothpaste:
1. Use mortar and pestle to grind up the calcium carbonate (chalk).
2. Mix two teaspoons of calcium carbonate, one package sugar substitute, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. Add three drops essence of peppermint. 
3. Slowly add water to make paste. Place in a container until ready for use.

General Procedures:

1. Enamel Enemies and Stains on Your Teeth must be set up the day before.
2. Allow students to observe and discuss the experiments.
3. Allow each student to participate in making homemade toothpaste.
4. Review proper brushing techniques and allow students to practice with homemade toothpaste. Allow each student to have a cup of water at hand. 
5. In small groups, allow students to brainstorm and write a list of at least 5 questions for the dentist using Microsoft Word.
6. Watch the "Dudley" movies on the American Dental Association site.

Modifications:

• Students may be grouped heterogeneously for cooperative group activities.
• Written directions may be provided for toothpaste, but oral directions may be needed for some students.
• Follow any modifications on individual student's IEPs or 504 Plans.

• In a center, provide materials for homemade toothpaste and the directions, providing different flavorings.
• Allow students to teach younger students with the proper brushing techniques.
• Allow students to complete games and puzzles on the American Dental Association site.
• Complete writing activity.

• Student drawing of a tooth before and after it has been exposed to acid in Microsoft Windows Paint.
• Written questions for dentist in Microsoft Word.
• Checklist of proper brushing techniques for each student.

• Health 3.12, 3.13, 3.3
• Listening/Speaking 3.11
• Reading Vocabulary 3.38, 3.39
• Writing 3.42
• Science 3.2, 3.12, 3.16, 3.23, 3.34, 3.77, 3.79

Health
  1.  Knows the availability and effective use of health services, products, and information.
  7.  Knows how to maintain and promote personal health.
  8.  Knows essential concepts about the prevention and control of disease.
Language Arts
  7.  Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of informational texts.
  8.  Uses listening and speaking strategies for different purposes.
  9.  Uses viewing skills and strategies to understand and interpret visual media.
  10.  Understands the characteristics and components of the media.
Science
  11.  Understands the nature of scientific knowledge.
  12.  Understands the nature of scientific inquiry.
Technology
  3.  Understands the relationships among science, technology, society, and the individual.
  6.  Understands the nature and uses of different forms of technology.

References:
Carson-Dellosa Publishing, Science Experiments.
Mailbox Magazine
American Dental Association
Tooth Care Activities

Authors:
Cheryle Bailes
Jo Jarvis
Sharon Smith
Summersville Elementary School
 
 
 

Overview

Lesson 1

Lesson 2

Lesson 3

Lesson 4

Lesson 5