Give Summer Boredom the Brush-Off (Part 2)

It’s the middle of summer, which means your kids need plenty of activities to keep them busy during the day. You surely love having more time to spend with your children, but you might also be pulling your hair out looking for something to keep them occupied.

We will tell you how to make some fun, easy crafts that will also encourage good dental hygiene. Even your little ones can make them!

Flossing is Fantastic!

Last time, we taught you how to paint with toothbrushes. Today, you will learn how to make fun paintings with another dental hygiene product: floss!

Materials

Note: This craft involves paint, so make sure your kids are wearing old clothes that you don’t care about or painting smocks in case they make a mess. (It might also be a good idea to cover the work area to prepare for possible paint splatter.)

Paper
Paint (non-toxic, water-soluble)
Dental Floss (cut a few pieces roughly an inch longer than the paper)
Palettes or Plates (plastic plates or palettes are optimal)

To help your children understand how to make this craft, explain the instructions and demonstrate before they begin making it.

1. Pour desired colors of paint onto the plates or palettes.
2. Carefully dip a piece of dental floss into the paint.
3. Lay the floss across a piece of paper.
4. Fold the paper across the floss, then pull the floss out of the end.
5. Repeat the process on different parts of the paper until you’ve made a beautiful pattern.

This is a great opportunity to teach them about flossing their teeth. Explain to your children that they need to be gentle with the paper as they should be with their gums and teeth when they floss. Younger children, or any children whose motor skills are developing, may need some help with this craft.

Your children may also enjoy swirling the floss around on the paper or placing the floss on the paper in a variety of patterns. Let their imaginations be the only limit!

These activities can teach your kids that brushing and flossing are fun. You can also encourage them to follow proper hygiene by being a good example.

Do you want more tips for instilling good dental health habits in your kids? Call our Reno, NV, dental practice today at 775-829-7700. Dr. Brian Evans and Dr. William Wager provide comprehensive dental care to patients of all ages.

Thanks to PreschoolRock.com for the cute craft ideas.