The Plaque Attack!

We ended our dental health unit with a very visual experiment. We actually grew our own plaque... yes, it was really gross.
First, we took a packet of yeast and added a little bit into two different cups of warm water. 

One cup we left alone and added a little bit of sugar into the other.

It looked kind of yucky. One was a bit more cloudy than the other. We waited and watched and slowly, but surely, the plaque began to grow in the cup with the sugar. It almost grew to the top. 

Ewwww... so gross!!

We filled out a recording sheet with our observations just like a real scientist. We are getting to be keen observers.

Don't forget to brush your teeth so you don't get a 

PLAQUE ATTACK!

Happy Mardi Gras

Today we learned a bit about Mardi Gras. It means 'Fat Tuesday' in French. It is celebrated in Southern Louisiana and actually lasts for about two weeks. Around here, we celebrate it on the last day which lands on the day before Ash Wednesday.
We looked at lots pictures of the parades and costumes that folks in New Orleans wear for the Mardi Gras celebration. It looks like a grand party. 

The official colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold and were chosen a long time ago by the king of the carnival. Purple represents justice. Green stands for faith. Gold stands for power. We made our own Mardi Gras masks in the style of New Orleans.

So pretty!!

Happy Mardi Gras!

Ewww... Gross!!

Today, all of our dental health tips came to life as we conducted an experiment. We filled two cups with liquid; one with plain water and the other with Coke. Next, we each made a prediction which beverage would be better for our teeth. The results are a bit hard to see in this picture, however, it was unanimous. ALL the children chose the water:)

We proceeded to lower an egg into each cup. (We also noticed that the eggs floated!) Then we waited.

We learned that the surface of the eggs shell is similar to the chemical composition of the enamel on a tooth. 
The results...gasp... ewwwww... GROSS!!

Dark beverages can stain teeth!

Never fear, fluoride toothpaste to the rescue!!

After just a little bit of vigorous brushing, the white of the egg was once again revealed.

The lesson learned... soda should not be your drink of choice.  If you do choose to drink soda (or coffee or tea) brush as soon as you can or at a minimum rinse your teeth with water.

Expert Advice... and a Few Laughs

The children in 4K have become experts on how to fight against a plaque attack. Listen to their ChatterPix videos to learn a few good dental health tips. 'Fun Friday' doesn't get any better than this:)

(A couple more videos will be added on Monday!)

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMcBG6Ccll3eyvsc3TBEvevneYWeFa3Bl

The Dentist Is In

 Welcome to our dental practice!

We are open Monday through Friday during school hours.

Our dentists take a full patient history and educate the patients on their care.

("Eat Fruits!")

Precautions are taken to protect the patient and the dentist from germs.

 Gloving up is tricky, but we get the job done!

 Open-wide!

Our receptionists are very friendly and very efficient at writing messages for the doctor.

Collaboration is key in this practice.

No dental practice would be complete without a lab.

Our interns and hygienists practice the art of brushing teeth in our lab school.

We also have a side-practice and treat animals too.

 Check-out these pearly whites!

Stop in for a cleaning. The latest posted signage claims the cost is only $21. Such a bargain!!

Survey Says...

These results turned out GREAT!

Jack & the Beanstalk

Today, the children had the privilege of attending a play at Cardinal Stritch University. We saw the fairy tale classic, Jack and the Beanstalk. It had a bit of an updated message and the scary elements were taken out. It is always fascinating for the children to see a live play.

 The kids were getting swallowed up by the folding theater seats.

 The beanstalk grew right before our eyes!

 The giant was sooooo tall.

The set was magical!

What a great experience!!

Is it February?!?

What a treat it was today to get out into the sunshine not once, not twice, but three times!! By the third time, we headed out without jackets. What?!?! Is it really February? Wish it would last!!

 Chalk drawings in February?

It's true!!

 The tot lot has been unlocked... just for us:)

 Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!

 The forecast calls for warmer weather tomorrow!

Yippeeeeeeee!