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Jazzy Food and Nutrition Bulletin Board Ideas

Division of Nutrition Assistance

A Healthy Smile Brightens Everyone's Day

Directions for Design
A large smiling tooth holding a toothbrush and toothpaste is surrounded by healthy foods.

Suggested Materials

Illustrations of a large smiling tooth, toothpaste, toothbrush and various healthy foods. A toothbrush and toothpaste container may be used.
Lettering for title

Learning Activities

1. Keep teeth healthy.
Explain to students that tooth decay is a common health problem in the United States. Tooth decay is caused by the reaction of sugar in foods with plaque on teeth. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film that forms in our mouths every day. It is made up of bacteria or germs. The bacteria in the plaque uses food to make acids; and these acids attack the enamel, which is the shiny, white covering of our teeth. This process leads to the formation of cavities. Frequency of eating and the amount of time the sugar is in contact with the teeth increase the risk of tooth decay. Coarse foods help clean teeth. Controlling sugar intake, frequent brushing and flossing, along with regular dental examinations, promote good dental health. Ask at least one student volunteer to demonstrate the presence of plaque on teeth. By using a "disclosing tablet" or food coloring mixed with water, have the student chew the tablet or swish the food coloring solution around in his mouth. The places where the color sticks to the teeth are the places where the plaque has formed. Try this activity before and after brushing and flossing.

2. Reduce the effects of sugar.
The way we eat also affects our teeth. If we snack a lot and don't brush afterward, there always will be food available on the teeth that can increase the danger of tooth decay. The foods that are sticky or gummy are ones that stay on teeth. Starchy foods, such as crackers, chips and cereal, and foods with sugars in them, such as dried fruits, candy and cookies also can cause problems. One solution is to brush after each meal or snack. Another solution is do not snack so often. Ask students to make two lists: one of sensible snack foods and one of foods that promote tooth decay. Examples include the following:

Sensible snacks: fruit, cheese, milk, peanuts, nuts, seeds, raw vegetables, hard cooked eggs, plain yogurt
Snacks that promote tooth decay: presweetened cereal, granola bars, marshmallows, raisins, other dried fruits, honey, molasses, sugar, sweet gum, soda pop

3. Invite a dentist to visit the class or take the students to the dentist's office.
Ask the dentist to demonstrate the proper way to brush and floss teeth. Talk about why it is important to have regular check-ups. If possible, ask the dentist to provide free samples of toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss.

4. Make a mobile.
Instruct the students to make a mobile with a hanger, string and drawings or pictures of all the things important to having healthy teeth: toothbrush, dental floss, toothpaste, dentist, etc.

For more bulletin board ideas:
Page 1 ~ Page 2 ~ Page 3
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