For a basic activity, print pictures of a toothbrush or tooth and have the children color the pages with crayons. Alternatively, give each child a sheet of paper and a mirror. Have the children look in the mirror, while drawing a picture of their mouth and teeth. Tell the children to draw their gums and tongue, too. Another idea is to have the children design their own toothbrush. They can use markers and crayons to design their own dream toothbrush. Award prizes to the best, most creative and funniest toothbrushes.
Print pictures of teeth, toothbrushes, dental floss and mouthwash (two of each picture) on small slips of paper. Place the cards face down on a table and have the children play a game of memory. If a child finds a pair, she can go again. The player with the most pairs at the end of the game wins. For another memory game, hang a couple of the pictures on a board and tell the children to look at the pictures. Have the children close their eyes and remove one picture. When they open their eyes, the first child to tell you the name of the missing picture wins a small prize.
Cut tooth shapes out of gray, yellow and brown construction paper. Have the children use a toothbrush to "brush" the dirty tooth clean. Dip the toothbrush into white paint to brush on the tooth. Sprinkle white glitter on the wet paint to make the tooth shine. Remind children not to put the toothbrush in their mouth. Another craft idea is to print pictures of a mouth. Glue small pieces of sponges onto the end of clothespins to resemble teeth. Children will dip the sponge into paint to add teeth to the mouth.
Teach the children a rhyme that reads, "Got my toothpaste, got my brush; I won't hurry, I won't rush; making sure my teeth are clean, front and back and in between; when I brush for quite a while, I will have a happy smile." Another idea is to read dental-related books like "The Tooth Fairy Book" by Deborah Kovacs and "Dear Tooth Fairy" by Kath Mellentin and Tim Wood.