When we talk about health, we tend to focus on eating fruits and vegetables, getting enough exercise, and sleeping properly.  But taking good care of our teeth is as much a part of a healthy day as any of the above! Many kids put up an argument about brushing their teeth, so it’s important to help them understand why it matters so much to maintain a clean mouth.  This activity helps kids really see the effects of brushing teeth in an eye-opening way.

Time: about 15 minutes to boil an egg and 20 minutes to let it cool, and about 5 minutes for the brushing activity

Materials: 1 or more eggs with white shells, black tea, toothbrush, toothpaste

Adult Prep: Boil a few eggs with some black tea bags until the egg is hard-cooked. The shell will be brownish. Allow the eggs to cool completely, about 20 minutes.

Kids’ Activity: Have your child gently “brush” the stain off the eggs with a toothbrush and toothpaste, explaining that we have enamel on our teeth just like the eggshell that can get stained with different foods and drinks, and that regular brushing will keep teeth clean.  The gentle brushing technique used is good for gum health, too!  (Bonus:  if the egg is thoroughly cooked, yes, it can be eaten!) Kids will be amazed to watch the eggshell turn from brown to white—and the importance of brushing their own teeth will be crystal clear!

– Stacey Antine, MS RD, author, Appetite for Life and founder, HealthBarn USA

A healthy lifestyle isn’t all about food: keeping kids active and fostering their creativity is essential for healthy development, too!  In this blog, I’ll be sharing weekly activity ideas for families to do together.