February is Dental Health Month, making it the perfect time to introduce kids to the importance of brushing their teeth in a fun and creative way! This cardboard animal dentist craft lets kids create their own animal friends with big, open mouths and nutty teeth that need a good scrub.
Using a real toothbrush, children can practice cleaning the “teeth” and learn all about proper dental care through hands-on play.
This activity is not only fun but tooth crafts for preschoolers are also a great way to encourage healthy brushing habits and introduce dental hygiene in a playful, low-pressure way. Plus, you can make any animal you like! Hippos, donkeys, lions, or even a funny monster – whatever sparks your child’s imagination.
This has to be one of the cutest and most fun dental arts and crafts for preschool!
How to Make a Dentist Animal Craft
Follow along with the simple step by step below to put together your own smiley animal dentist craft with the kids.
Materials Needed for this dental craft.
- Cardboard
- Colores Construction Paper
- Scissors
- Glue stick or glue gun
- White nuts (like pistachios or almonds) or dried beans
- Colored paper (for tongue, eyes, and ears)
- Black marker
- Toothbrush (for pretend cleaning)
- Baby wipes lid (optional, for a fun open-and-close mouth variation)
Instructions:
- Cut out your animal’s face. Use sturdy cardboard and draw the shape of your chosen animal. A hippo, donkey, or any other wide-mouthed creature works great! Cut out the shape.
- Make an open-and-close mouth. Cut a slit where the mouth will be and attach a folded piece of cardboard to create a hinge so the mouth can open. If using a baby wipes lid, glue it in place to act as the mouth flap.
- Create the eyes, nose, and ears. Cut out circles or colored construction paper for eyes and small pieces for the ears. Use black paper or a marker to add details like pupils and nostrils.
- Add the teeth. Glue pistachio shells, whole nuts, or dried beans along the top and bottom of the mouth to create a realistic row of teeth.
- Add a tongue. Cut out a red or pink piece of paper and glue it inside the mouth for a fun pop of color.
- Start brushing! Once dry, kids can use a real toothbrush to “brush” the animal’s teeth and practice good dental hygiene.
Learning Benefits of This Craft
This craft is more than just fun – it’s packed with learning opportunities and is the perfect teeth craft for kindergarten.
- Teaches dental hygiene in a hands-on way
- Encourages fine motor skills as kids cut, glue, and assemble
- Supports imaginative play with interactive pretend brushing
- Boosts creativity by letting kids design their own animal
If you’re searching for dentist craft ideas, this fun teeth-brushing activity is a great way to introduce kids to dental hygiene in a hands-on way. We didn’t make a dentist craft template or dentist craft PDF for this one because it’s all about creativity! You can design any animal you like, from a hippo with big chompers to a silly monster with extra teeth. This flexibility makes it perfect for dental crafts for preschoolers, classrooms, or even a fun home project.
For teachers and parents looking for preschool dental crafts or teeth crafts for kindergarten, this project is an engaging way to teach kids about brushing and keeping their smiles healthy. If you run a dental office or a community event, this also works well for dentist arts and crafts for preschoolers, making a fun addition to a lesson on oral hygiene. Whether you’re making this craft at home or incorporating it into a pediatric dentistry event, it’s a fantastic way to bring the importance of brushing to life.
So grab some cardboard, get creative, and let kids craft their own smiles while learning about good dental habits!
More Dental Health Crafts & Activities for Kids
Want to keep the fun going? Try these other dental health-themed activities and dentist craft ideas that kids will love, to reinforce the importance of oral hygiene in exciting ways.
This craft is a fantastic way to make brushing fun while encouraging kids to take care of their teeth.
Dental Health Resources for Parents
If you enjoyed this activity, please share this post with friends or pin it for later! Happy crafting!
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
