44 Where There Is No Dentist 2012
THE ACTIVITY :
Have the students examine each other.* Help them learn which are baby
teeth and which are permanent teeth. Look for the important 1st permanent
molars at the back.
Show the students
how to count the
teeth and the spaces
that are ready for new
teeth to grow in.
permanent tooth
loose baby tooth
Then have them count
space for new tooth
their friends’ teeth, to find
out how many teeth should
be growing in different age groups.
Later, they can do this with their brothers and sisters at home.
• Wash your hands.
• Count the teeth.
• Count the spaces where new teeth have not yet grown in.
TOTAL = teeth + spaces
• Find out the person’s age.
Have the students first write their totals on the blackboard. Then make a
chart for the children to remember and discuss the results.
* Here the children are only counting the teeth. They can also learn to check for cavities and
gum disease (see p. 49).