Dental Hygiene Science Experiment for Preschoolers

1/26/2023

Dental Hygiene Science Experiment for Preschoolers

This Dental Hygiene Science Experiment is easy to set up and an engaging way to support preschool development.
Preschoolers are in the beginning stages of developing healthy habits that they will carry with them. Dental hygiene is one of the essential habits. By exploring teeth, proper brushing, healthy foods, and dental health we can assist preschoolers in the development of these important self-care skills!

Through experiments, hands-on activities, and a dental health unit, educators can give their preschoolers a concrete understanding of the importance of caring for our teeth. Eggs aren’t only a favorite food but make for great science experiments to teach about dental hygiene! Today we're going to share how to help preschoolers establish a deeper understanding of tooth decay and the effects food can have on your teeth with an exciting dental hygiene experiment.

Supplies Needed:

Supplies:

3 eggs without any cracks
1 can of dark colored soda
White vinegar
3 plastic clear cups
Water

*Teacher tip: this experiment is not limited to these three liquids, you may also try different juices, milk, or a clear soda! Begin by surveying your preschoolers for recommended liquids to use.

Let's Get Started:

This experiment is a great way to give preschoolers a visual representation of what sugary and acidic drinks can do to your teeth.

The first step of this dental hygiene experiment is to gather the materials listed above, and to start by pouring the liquids into three cups.

Once you’ve poured the liquids you or your preschoolers can gently place one egg into each of the three liquids.

After the eggs have been placed in the liquid, remind your preschoolers that this experiment will have to take place overnight. Your eggs will sit in the fluids overnight, and the next day preschoolers can get a better look into what happened to the eggs.

In the meantime, ask your preschoolers to predict what they think will happen. Below are a few probing questions to ask your little learners.
- do you think the eggs will change colors?
- will the eggs get smaller?
-which eggs will change, and which will stay the same?

To document the experience preschoolers could draw what they see and what they predict will happen.

After the eggs have sat overnight invite preschoolers to take a closer look into the changes and watch their amazement. This is great opportunity to note the changes and compare what they see to their predictions.

Discuss with your preschoolers what these liquids did to the eggs and explain how similar issues can happen to teeth when we don't take care of them.

You can also extend this activity by allowing preschoolers to use a toothbrush and toothpaste to brush the eggs as they would teeth. We recommend only completing this step if the eggs were boiled beforehand; otherwise, they may crack easily.

This dental hygiene experiment makes for a great science center during your Dental Health Unit. It's easy to do and helps preschoolers understand the importance of brushing their teeth and being mindful about healthy foods!