Montessori Brushing Teeth
The Montessori activity of Brushing Teeth is an essential component of the Practical Life area, focusing on the Care of Self.

- 📏 Range Age: 2.5 - 3.5 years (activity should be adjusted based on the child's age and skill level).
- 🧠 Prerequisites: Practical Life Activities (hand washing, using a spoon), Sensorial Activities (exploring different textures), Language Activities (vocabulary related to hygiene and body parts).
- 🛠️ Enhancement Skills: Personal Independence (establishing routines, self-care), Fine Motor Skills (coordination, grip strength), Social Development (understanding community health practices).
This article explores how this simple daily routine is transformed into a learning experience in the Montessori environment, emphasizing independence, self-care, and motor skills development for young children.
What is the Montessori Brushing Teeth lesson?
Brushing Teeth in the Montessori setting is more than just a hygiene activity; it is a structured process that teaches children about personal care through methodical and self-driven practices.
This activity not only promotes dental hygiene but also encourages children to take responsibility for their own health and well-being from an early age.
Benefits of Brushing Teeth lesson
Incorporating the Montessori method into the routine of brushing teeth offers numerous benefits for children:
- 🧼 Enhances Independence: Children learn to take responsibility for their personal hygiene, fostering a sense of independence and self-confidence.
- 🔄 Develops Routine: Regular brushing introduces children to the concept of routine, which is crucial for their overall discipline and time management skills.
- 👄 Improves Fine Motor Skills: The act of holding the toothbrush and brushing in the correct motion helps enhance hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
- 😁 Promotes Health Awareness: Early education on the importance of oral care instills lifelong habits of health and hygiene.
- 🧠 Supports Cognitive Development: Following steps in the brushing process aids in the development of logical thought and memory.
Purpose of Brushing Teeth Lesson
The purpose of teaching children to brush their teeth within the Montessori framework is to instill habits of self-care and hygiene from a young age. This activity not only keeps their teeth healthy but also teaches them the value of taking care of their bodies, contributing to their overall sense of autonomy and responsibility.
How to Present the Brushing Teeth activity?
Materials
- A child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles, designed to fit comfortably in small hands and mouths, facilitating proper brushing technique.
- A low mirror, positioned at child height to allow children to observe themselves while practicing brushing, enhancing self-awareness and coordination.
- A model of teeth or a dental chart, providing a visual aid that helps children understand the parts of the mouth and proper brushing areas.
- A timer, to help children learn the recommended duration of brushing, typically around two minutes, ensuring thorough cleaning.
- Non-toxic, fluoride-free toothpaste, suitable for young children in case of accidental ingestion, focusing on safety while promoting good dental hygiene.
The following instructions are montessori presentation of Brushing Teeth - Handling the Toothbrush:
Presentation
- Introduction to Materials: Gather the children and introduce the toothbrush and toothpaste. Explain their uses briefly to ensure understanding.
- Demonstrate Proper Handling: Show the children how to hold the toothbrush correctly. Explain that the grip should be firm but gentle to control the brush without applying too much pressure.
- Applying Toothpaste: Demonstrate how to squeeze a small, pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto the toothbrush. Explain why only a small amount is necessary.
- Wetting the Toothbrush: Show the children how to wet the toothbrush either by running it under water or using a cup of water to dip the brush. Explain the purpose of moistening the bristles.
- Practicing Brushing Motions: Without using toothpaste in this initial demonstration, practice brushing motions. Explain how to gently move the brush in small circles on all surfaces of the teeth: the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and chewing surfaces.
- Rinsing the Brush: Demonstrate how to thoroughly rinse the toothbrush under clean running water after use. Explain the importance of removing all toothpaste and debris.
- Hygienic Storage: Show the children how to tap the toothbrush gently on the edge of the sink to shake off excess water and store it upright in a toothbrush holder to air dry.
- Invite Practice: Allow each child to practice handling the toothbrush and mimicking the brushing motions. Supervise and gently correct the grip and motions as needed.
- Discussing Oral Health: While the children practice, discuss the importance of brushing teeth regularly to prevent cavities and maintain good oral health.
- Cleanup and Care: Teach the children how to clean up their space after brushing. This includes putting all materials away and wiping down any spilled water.
- Reflect on Learning: End the session by reflecting on what was learned and asking the children to share their thoughts about the importance of brushing teeth. Encourage questions and provide clear, concise answers.
- Regular Practice: Remind the children that brushing should be done at least twice a day, morning and night, and encourage them to practice this routine daily.
Vocabulary
- Toothbrush - "This is a toothbrush."
- Toothpaste - "This is toothpaste."
- Brush - "Brush your teeth."
- Teeth - "These are your teeth."
- Top - "Brush the top teeth."
- Bottom - "Brush the bottom teeth."
- Back - "Brush the back of your teeth."
- Front - "Brush the front of your teeth."
- Rinse - "Rinse your mouth."
- Spit - "Spit out the water."
- Handle - "Hold the handle of the toothbrush."
- Gentle - "Be gentle with your gums."
- Circular motion - "Use a circular motion."
- Wet - "Wet the toothbrush."
Progressive Extensions
- Introduction to Dental Hygiene: Children first learn about the importance of dental hygiene. This can involve discussions about teeth, why we need to keep them clean, and what can happen if we don't.
- Handling the Toothbrush: Children are taught how to hold and manipulate a toothbrush properly. This may begin with dry brushing (no toothpaste) to simply get accustomed to the feel of the brush in their mouth.
- Applying Toothpaste: Once comfortable with dry brushing, children learn to apply a small amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush. This teaches them how to gauge the appropriate amount and manage the toothpaste tube.
- Brushing Technique: Children practice brushing their teeth using proper techniques, such as brushing in small circles, covering all surfaces of the teeth, and brushing for an adequate duration (e.g., two minutes). They may use timers to help understand how long to brush.
- Rinsing and Spitting: After brushing, children learn to rinse their mouth with water and spit effectively into the sink without making a mess.
- Cleaning the Toothbrush: Post-brushing, children are taught to rinse their toothbrush thoroughly and store it properly to ensure hygiene.
- Flossing: As children master tooth brushing, they can be introduced to flossing techniques, starting with easy-to-handle flossers designed for children.
- Regular Dental Care Routine: Older children can learn about and establish a routine for regular dental care, including understanding when to change their toothbrush, the importance of regular dental visits, and the role of diet in dental health.
- Discussing Dental Problems and Preventive Measures: Advanced discussions can include understanding common dental problems, such as cavities and gum disease, and ways to prevent them through diet and care.
Variations & Extentions
Variations
- Introduce toothbrushes with different bristle textures (soft, medium, hard) and handle designs to allow children to explore and find what feels most comfortable for them.
- Use toothbrushes that have indicators for the amount of toothpaste to use, or those that play music for two minutes to time the brushing duration.
- Incorporate a model set of teeth for children to practice brushing on, which can help them visualize and understand the process better.
Extension
- Extend the activity by including flossing. Demonstrate how to floss properly and discuss its importance in maintaining dental health.
- Create a chart or calendar for the children to record each time they brush their teeth, promoting responsibility and routine.
- Discuss the effects of different types of food on dental health, and role-play choosing foods that are tooth-friendly versus those that are not.
Recommendations
- Ensure that each child has their own toothbrush to prevent the spread of germs and facilitate personal responsibility.
- Regularly replace toothbrushes every three months or after illness, and teach the children why this is necessary.
- Reinforce the importance of brushing teeth at least twice a day, especially after meals, and encourage parents to maintain this routine at home.
References
- Montessori from the Start: The Child at Home, from Birth to Age Three by Lillard, A. S. - New York: Schocken Books. pp. 70-85.
- The Montessori Toddler: A Parent's Guide to Raising a Curious and Responsible Human Being by Lillard, A. S. - New York: Workman Publishing. pp. 95-110.
- Montessori Blog - The Center for Guided Montessori Studies
- Montessori Life Blog - The Official Blog of the American Montessori Society - American Montessori Society
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