Community Helpers: Dentists

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

If you have ever had a toothache, you may have gone to the dentist's office.

A dentist is a very important community helper! Dentists take care of your teeth.

Think of some ways you take care of your teeth.

• What do you do every day in the morning and at night?

Share your answer with your parent or teacher.

You should brush every day, twice a day, to keep your teeth healthy. It is important to keep your teeth clean so they stay healthy. A dentist will also tell you how important it is to floss. Flossing is another way to keep your teeth clean and healthy.

• Do you floss?

Tell your parent or teacher.

When you go to the dentist's office, the dentist checks your teeth. He or she uses many different types of tools to clean your teeth. He or she may use a little mirror on a stick so he or she can look at hard-to-see parts of your teeth. He or she may also use toothpaste, tooth brushes, fluoride trays, and floss to clean your teeth.

He or she may also use an x-ray machine to check for any cavities. Cavities happen when you don't brush and floss enough. If you don't take care of your teeth, they will start to rot or decay. When your tooth begins to decay, it's called a cavity. Cavities can make your teeth hurt!

• Why do you think it is important to keep your teeth clean?
• What will happen if you don't?

Share your answer with your parent or teacher, then move on to the Got It? section to learn more about dentists and keeping your teeth clean.