Teeth fall out. New ones turn up. And somehow we are supposed to brush them all. Watch Toothy explain what is happening in four short videos. Bring your questions and someone to watch with you.
“Open wide. Not for the screen! Just saying hello.”✧
PRESS PLAY. GET CURIOUS.
Four questions. Lots of toothy answers.
Pick a question and press play. You can pause, watch again, or ask a parent. Parents are allowed to learn things too.
01
A LITTLE LESSON WITH TOOTHY · ABOUT 25 SECONDS
What is a cavity?
A hole? In a tooth?
Bacteria + sugar → acids. Over time, acids can damage enamel and cause a cavity.
Read Toothy’s words
Hi, I'm Toothy! A cavity is a little hole in a tooth. Sticky plaque holds bacteria on our teeth. When bacteria meet sugar from food or drinks, they make acids. Over time, those acids can damage a tooth's hard outer layer. Brushing, fluoride, and regular dental visits help protect your smile!
A little help for adults
Water is a good everyday drink. Limit frequent sugary snacks and drinks, and visit the dentist regularly. A cavity needs dental care; brushing does not fill an existing hole.
A QUESTION TO SHAREWhat can we do each day to help protect our teeth?
02
A LITTLE LESSON WITH TOOTHY · ABOUT 25 SECONDS
Why do we brush?
Your toothbrush is reporting for duty.
Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Baby teeth need care, too.
Read Toothy’s words
Hi, I'm Toothy! Your teeth help you chew, speak, and smile. Brushing clears away sticky plaque and bits of food. Fluoride toothpaste helps protect the hard outside of your teeth. Brush twice a day for two minutes, with a grownup's help. Even baby teeth need care. Little habits help keep your smile healthy!
A little help for adults
Help with brushing until your child can clean every surface well. Clean between teeth that touch each day. A toothbrush cannot reach every space between teeth.
A QUESTION TO SHAREWhen will we make time for brushing today?
03
A LITTLE LESSON WITH TOOTHY · ABOUT 25 SECONDS
How do we brush?
The back teeth would like a turn too.
Outside, inside, chewing surfaces. Gentle short strokes, with help from an adult.
Read Toothy’s words
Hi, I'm Toothy! Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Tilt the bristles toward your gums. Gently move the brush in short strokes. Clean the outside, inside, and chewing surfaces of every tooth. Brush twice a day for two minutes. Spit out the toothpaste. Ask a grownup to help reach every tooth!
A little help for adults
Use a child size, soft bristled brush. Aim it about 45° toward the gumline. For the inside of front teeth, hold the brush upright and use gentle up and down strokes. Under age 3: a rice grain smear of fluoride toothpaste. Ages 3 to 6: a pea sized amount. Supervise brushing and remind children to spit rather than swallow.
A QUESTION TO SHARECan you name the three sides of your teeth to brush?
04
A LITTLE LESSON WITH TOOTHY · ABOUT 25 SECONDS
Why does a baby tooth fall out?
A wiggly tooth is not in a hurry.
Baby tooth roots gradually dissolve as adult teeth develop. A naturally loose tooth can then fall out.
Read Toothy’s words
Hi, I'm Toothy! A wiggly baby tooth can mean your smile is growing. As adult teeth develop, baby tooth roots gradually dissolve. Then a baby tooth loosens and falls out. This often starts around age six, but everyone has their own timing. Don't force a tooth out. Tell a grownup if it hurts!
A little help for adults
Many children start losing baby teeth around age six, with normal differences in timing. Let a naturally loose tooth come out when ready. Pain, swelling, or a tooth loosened by an injury calls for advice from your child’s dentist.
A QUESTION TO SHAREHow do you feel about a wiggly tooth?
FROM WATCHING TO DOING
Your turn, toothbrush captain.
Grab a soft toothbrush and ask an adult to help. Our timer counts two minutes while you give every tooth a turn.
