Brand New Curriculum with Supporting App

Lesson Plan 1 – The Power of pH

In this lesson, students will:

  • compare the acidic effect of liquids on an egg’s shell
  • rank the acidity of the liquids by observation and use of pH paper
  • predict the effect of acidic beverages on teeth

 

This lesson plan meets Indiana State standards for:

  • Health & Wellness 4.1.1/5.11
  • Health & Wellness 4.1.4/5.14
  • Science 4.2.5
  • Science 4.2.7
  • Science 5.2.4
  • Science 5.5.1

 

Download Lesson Plan 1

Lesson Plan 2 – The Scoop on Sugar

In this lesson, students will:

  • measure the amount of sugar in popular drinks
  • compare the sugar content in drinks to the acidity of the drinks
  • learn how acid and sugar create white spot lesions, decay and erosion from the 3D interactive mouth within the DrinksDestroyTeeth App
  • learn scientific vocabulary from the glossary on the DrinksDestroyTeeth App

 

This lesson plan meets Indiana State standards for:

  • Health & Wellness 4.1.1/5.11
  • Health & Wellness 4.1.4/5.14
  • Science 4.2.5
  • Science 4.2.7
  • Science 5.2.4
  • Science 5.5.1

 

Download Lesson Plan 2

 

Download the App Remember to have your students download the Drinks Destroy Teeth app.

 

Drinks Destroy Teeth

Trendy drinks are causing a generation of young people to experience decay and loss of tooth enamel unprecedented in modern times.

Overconsumption of sugar-laden, acidic drinks, such as boxed juice, sport drinks and soft drinks, is reversing more than 50 years of public health gains realized through preventive measures like fluoridated water and dental sealants.

From their early years into young adulthood, children are drinking increasing quantities of these sugary, acidic drinks from morning until night. They consume fruit juice at breakfast, soda at lunch and sport drinks or flavored sweet tea or coffee after school.

Drinks Cause Dental Erosion and Decay

Constant drinking attacks the body’s natural ability to cleanse the mouth. The acid in the drinks causes dental erosion. These drinks soften the protective enamel which dissolves then exposes the second layer of tooth. The sugar in the drinks feeds bacteria in the mouth which causes decay. Bacteria have a much easier time eating through soft enamel.

Young people should enjoy the best dental health that modern prevention can offer. Unfortunately this group also has the most to lose in terms of a lifetime dental problems.

The Indiana Dental Association wants parents, educators and consumers to know which drinks can destroy teeth, and how, if these drinks will be consumed, how to do so wisely and in moderation.