Grade 3 Hygiene And Nutrition Health Practices – Oral Hygiene Notes
Oral Hygiene
Subject: Hygiene and Nutrition • Topic: Health Practices • For: Kenyan children (age 8)
Keep your smile bright!
Brush well, eat healthy, visit the dentist.
Why clean teeth matter
- Clean teeth stop toothaches and holes (cavities).
- They keep your breath fresh so you can chat and play with friends.
- Good mouth care helps you eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.
How to brush your teeth — easy steps
- Get ready: wet your brush and put a pea-sized drop of toothpaste on it. (If you are less than 6 years, ask an adult to help.)
- Brush for 2 minutes: top and bottom, outside and inside. Make small circles — not hard scrubs.
- Brush the chewing surfaces: the flat parts of your molars where food hides.
- Don't forget your tongue: gently brush or swipe your tongue to remove smell-causing germs.
- Spit out the paste: do not swallow the toothpaste. Rinse your mouth with clean water.
Tip for Kenyan homes: Some families use a clean mswaki (chewing stick). If you use mswaki, make sure it is clean and used only by you. It helps keep teeth clean when a toothbrush is not nearby.
Other good mouth habits
- Floss between teeth once a day to remove bits of food.
- Drink plenty of clean water — it washes away sugar and dirt.
- Choose healthy snacks: fruits (matunda), raw carrots, and nuts instead of sweets and fizzy drinks.
- Change your toothbrush every 3 months or when bristles look worn.
- Always keep your toothbrush in a clean place and let it dry standing up.
When to visit the dentist (daktari wa meno)
- If your tooth hurts for more than a day.
- If you see a dark spot or hole on a tooth.
- If your gums are red, swollen, or bleed a lot when you brush.
- Go for a check-up at school health days or the nearest clinic once a year.
Two-minute Brushing Challenge
Try this every morning and night for one week:
- Set a 2-minute timer or sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice while brushing.
- Check the front, back and top of your teeth each time.
- If you complete the week, give yourself a small reward — like extra story time!
Quick Quiz (with answers)
- How many minutes should you brush each time? — Answer: 2 minutes
- Should you swallow the toothpaste? — Answer: No, spit it out
- Name one healthy snack that is good for teeth. — Answer: Fruit like an orange or mango
If you have questions, talk to your teacher, school nurse, or the nearest health clinic. Keep smiling — a clean mouth helps you feel happy and healthy!