Healthy Teeth Emergent Reader

How can I use this Healthy Teeth Emergent Reader?

Observe Dental Health Month with your beginning readers using a healthy teeth story. Designed by teachers, our Healthy Teeth Emergent Reader is a versatile literacy resource. Distribute it as a reading activity in class, set it as a homework assignment, or add it to your literacy center.

Children will learn about all the steps we should take in our daily lives to look after our teeth and gums. Nobody wants to get a cavity.

Ways to prevent tooth decay include brushing our teeth twice a day, avoiding sugar, and choosing healthy foods. This story highlights the whole range of healthy teeth practices using a set of delightful illustrations.

This resource addresses the following standards: CCSS RF.K.4; TEKS ELAR. K.9.E.

It’s a great opportunity to raise awareness of dental health issues with children. Encourage them to pick up beneficial habits that will keep their teeth clean and healthy for years to come.

All you have to do is click the big green Download button above and print off the two-page PDF. Cut, fold, assemble, and staple the emergent reader by following the dotted lines and page numbers.

Finished already? Browse through our collection of Dental Health Month resources as well as this Healthy Eating Emergent Reader to find even more activities!

More resources to support learning on our healthy teeth story:

Teaching children all about good dental health is an important topic to cover during elementary school. It’s a springboard for learning about good personal hygiene and ways of looking after their physical well-being.

To follow up on the healthy teeth story found in this emergent reader, we’ve created a fantastic range of activities, games, and classroom decorations on the topic. Check out some of them below:

• Parts of a Tooth Poster – This colorful tooth diagram allows you to introduce kids to technical vocabulary such as “enamel,” “dentin,” “crown,” and “root.” Alternatively, you can print it off in black and white to use as a coloring activity.
  

• Parts of a Tooth Labeling Differentiated Activity – Our set of differentiated worksheets is perfect for giving your whole class a challenge when learning about dental hygiene. Children will cut and paste the words, use a word bank to write them, or label the diagram without any hints at all.
  

• How to Brush Your Teeth Posters – Create a bulletin board themed around dental health with these beautifully illustrated posters. Children can follow the step-by-step instructions when learning how to brush their teeth in class or at home.

What are 5 tips for keeping teeth strong and healthy?

1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. You should spend around two minutes brushing each time.
   
2. Avoid eating too many sugary foods that can cause tooth decay and cavities. This includes chocolate, chips, and even things you might think are healthy, like dried fruits.
   
3. Visit the dentist for regular checkups. They’ll tell you about any problems before they become serious issues that need fixing.
   
4. Use mouthwash and dental floss to get rid of the bacteria that brushing can miss.
   
5. Try to drink more water instead of acidic drinks like fruit juices and sodas. Milk is also a healthy alternative!