30 Fun Ways to Teach Kids About Oral Health (That Actually Work)
Teaching kids about oral health doesn’t have to be boring. These 30 fun, hands-on activities, videos, and books make brushing, flossing, and dental visits more engaging for children of all ages.
Why Oral Health Education Matters for Kids
Poor oral health causes U.S. children to miss up to 51 million hours of class time each year. It can also lead to speech issues, low self-esteem, and lifelong health challenges. Teaching kids healthy habits early helps prevent tooth decay and promotes success—in and out of the classroom.
30 Fun Ways to Teach Kids About Oral Health
🧪 Science Experiments
1. Egg Enamel Demo
Use hard-boiled eggs to simulate tooth enamel
Soak in soda or juice, then brush to show stain removal
Have kids design posters about brushing and flossing
Host a contest and display the best ones
6. Build a Brushing Model
Use egg cartons or the bottoms of 16 oz. soda bottles as “teeth”
Make a runny paste with flour and water (add food coloring if you like) and splatter it on the tooth to resemble food and plaque. Let it harden.
Have kids attempt to brush the flour mixture away. Show how difficult it is once it has hardened versus before it has had a chance to sit on the “tooth”. Reinforce the importance of brushing for 2 minutes, 2 times each day.
Cut apart a white styrofoam egg carton to make little “teeth”.
Give each child their own “tooth” and have them select a snack from a list of foods that include both tooth-friendly and unhealthy options.
If they select a tooth-friendly food, use a highlighter or dry erase marker to color food spots on their tooth. If they select an unhealthy food, use a Sharpie or permanent black marker to color food spots on their tooth.
Give the child a toothbrush to brush away their food spots. Explain that the healthy foods are easy to brush away but the unhealthy foods are hard to brush away and can lead to cavities.
Refer to our 5 Core Lessons Packet for help with teaching about how unhealthy foods affect our teeth.
8. Floss Challenge with Lego/Duplo blocks or Ice Cube Trays
Use floss or yarn to remove Play-Doh from between crevices. (See photo)
Stress the importance of flossing not only to remove food from between the teeth but also to remove plaque below the gum line to prevent the buildup of tartar.
Click here for more information about proper flossing technique.
This Blog Post from Dental Associates of Florida includes lots of fun, interactive games about oral health. (Thank you to our young friend Stella for sharing this resource!)
Q: What age should I start teaching kids to brush their teeth? A: As soon as the first tooth appears—typically around 6 months. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride-free paste.
Q: Can kids really make their own toothpaste? A: Yes! It’s safe and fun—just mix baking soda, salt, and a flavoring like vanilla or peppermint.
Q: What’s the best way to teach flossing? A: Try a hands-on demo using marshmallows or LEGOs. Use Play-Doh as plaque and have kids remove it with floss.
Q: Which foods are worst for kids’ teeth? A: Sticky sweets, sodas, and fruit juice. Focus on tooth-friendly snacks like cheese, apples, and crunchy vegetables.
💡 Final Tip
Post your oral health activities on social media to inspire others. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, X or Instagram and tag us in your posts!
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