Most kids know that brushing helps prevent cavities, but they may not fully understand the process of bacteria breaking down and staining teeth. These amazing and fun experiments, perfect for the classroom or at home, help kids get hands-on with dental hygiene, safe chemical reactions, and the scientific method.
The Impact Of Soda, Coffee, And Vinegar On Teeth
For this experiment, you’ll need:
- 1 raw egg
- 2 boiled eggs
- One cup of dark brown soda
- One cup of coffee
- One cup of vinegar
Place one boiled egg in the soda cup and one in the coffee cup. The raw egg goes into the vinegar. Let the eggs sit overnight. Let the kids share theories on what effect these liquids will have on the eggs.
Surprise! Next day, the two boiled eggs will be stained brown. Let children take turns brushing the egg shells with toothbrushes and toothpaste.
The vinegar egg’s entire shell will be dissolved, leaving a translucent and smooshy surface behind. Discuss with the children how this experiment relates to oral hygiene, brushing, and tooth decay.
Elephant Toothpaste
This is a wildly popular experiment! You’ll need:
- 1 teaspoon dry active yeast
- Safety goggles (only during the mixing and pouring section)
- 2 tablespoons very warm water
Mix the water and yeast together in a bowl.
- A large, narrow-neck bottle (around 15 oz.)
- A funnel
- 1/2 cup of 6% (20 volume) Hydrogen Peroxide
- A few squirts of Dawn dish soap (not anti-bacterial)
- Liquid watercolors or food coloring
- Glitter
Put a container beneath the bottle to catch the Elephant Toothpaste. Pour ingredients down the funnel into the bottle and swirl them together. Then, with safety goggles on, have an adult pour the yeast and water mixture into the bottle. Quickly remove the funnel and watch the incredible reaction.
Kids can play safely in the Elephant Toothpaste, and you can discuss chemical reactions and how an elephant might brush his teeth. Kids can associate the fun of this activity with the “human toothpaste” they use every day.
Beavers Caring Family Dentistry In Cary
At Beavers Caring Family Dentistry, we care about full-service dentistry, from oral hygiene in the dentist office, to teaching about dental care at home. We offer a kid-friendly environment, great for Cary families. Follow us on Facebook for more great tips for everything from picking the right toothbrush to encouraging good brushing habits in children. Or, schedule an appointment online or by calling: (919) 467-0654.