Learning About Dental Care Together
Preschool
March 27, 2018
Toothbrushing was part of our daily routine at school.
The children knew brushing was important for preventing cavities, but we wanted to deepen their interest and help them learn the proper technique. We invited Dr. 河畠, also a Jungle class parent, to give a special lesson. Because adult support with brushing is important for young children, parents joined us for a family lesson.
When we introduced our guest as the day’s dental teacher, children who had met the doctor before looked especially pleased. Everyone seemed eager for the lesson to begin.
The doctor asked questions such as, “Why do we brush our teeth?”, “Who has been to the dentist?” and “Who feels scared of going?” Children eagerly shared what they knew.
Quite a few had already visited a dentist. They were interested in teeth and knew, for example, that cavities can make holes.
Next, everyone watched a toothbrushing song video.
Many exclaimed that they had seen it at home, but they still watched closely. The cheerful video helped them picture brushing as a way to get rid of germs.
We then learned brushing techniques with a large model.
The doctor explained how to hold a toothbrush, where to start and how to move it. Having a set order helped children understand how to avoid missing areas.
Several children came forward to demonstrate. They enjoyed practicing on a model larger than their own faces.
Finally, parents practiced helping their children finish brushing.
The doctor and their child first demonstrated a brushing position and areas that are often missed. Then each parent-and-child pair practiced while the doctor checked their technique. Parents asked about their everyday routines, and children looked delighted when the doctor praised their clean teeth.
The time passed quickly, but it was a very enjoyable lesson. Hearing how important parental care is for young children’s teeth, we were glad to offer an opportunity for families to learn together.
Parents later told us that their children had started brushing on their own and that they better understood how to help finish brushing.
We aim to make lessons memorable through real experiences whenever possible. Having a parent share professional expertise made this a particularly valuable opportunity.
The original article introduced the doctor’s dental clinic below.
「K-DENTAL OFFICE」
Address listed at the time: 3-11 Kaigandori, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
A five-minute walk from Bashamichi Station
The children knew brushing was important for preventing cavities, but we wanted to deepen their interest and help them learn the proper technique. We invited Dr. 河畠, also a Jungle class parent, to give a special lesson. Because adult support with brushing is important for young children, parents joined us for a family lesson.
When we introduced our guest as the day’s dental teacher, children who had met the doctor before looked especially pleased. Everyone seemed eager for the lesson to begin.
The doctor asked questions such as, “Why do we brush our teeth?”, “Who has been to the dentist?” and “Who feels scared of going?” Children eagerly shared what they knew.
Quite a few had already visited a dentist. They were interested in teeth and knew, for example, that cavities can make holes.
Next, everyone watched a toothbrushing song video.
Many exclaimed that they had seen it at home, but they still watched closely. The cheerful video helped them picture brushing as a way to get rid of germs.
We then learned brushing techniques with a large model.
The doctor explained how to hold a toothbrush, where to start and how to move it. Having a set order helped children understand how to avoid missing areas.
Several children came forward to demonstrate. They enjoyed practicing on a model larger than their own faces.
Finally, parents practiced helping their children finish brushing.
The doctor and their child first demonstrated a brushing position and areas that are often missed. Then each parent-and-child pair practiced while the doctor checked their technique. Parents asked about their everyday routines, and children looked delighted when the doctor praised their clean teeth.
The time passed quickly, but it was a very enjoyable lesson. Hearing how important parental care is for young children’s teeth, we were glad to offer an opportunity for families to learn together.
Parents later told us that their children had started brushing on their own and that they better understood how to help finish brushing.
We aim to make lessons memorable through real experiences whenever possible. Having a parent share professional expertise made this a particularly valuable opportunity.
The original article introduced the doctor’s dental clinic below.
「K-DENTAL OFFICE」
Address listed at the time: 3-11 Kaigandori, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
A five-minute walk from Bashamichi Station
Author Profile
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Saeda Sueki-Au-Yeung - Head of Operations / Parent Support Coordinator (Japan)
Saeda studied education and disability sciences in Japan and experienced winning a US collegiate national championship while studying and playing football in America. She values each child's individuality and the opportunities that come from trying new things. Through school operations and parent support, she helps families and staff work as one team to support children's growth.