Exercice 6
Playing Dentist – X-Rays
TOOL :
White hairdryer, small rectangular piece of cardboard, apron
Download the exercise in PDF format.
DURING AN X-RAY AT THE DENTIST, 3 ELEMENTS ARE INTRODUCED:
The X-Ray machine: A dental X-Ray machine often looks like this. To practice the X-Ray exercise at home (in preparation for an upcoming dental visit), an unplugged white hairdryer can be used.
The dental X-Ray film: During the X-Ray, a dental X-Ray film will be placed alternately on both sides of the mouth (top right, top left, bottom right and bottom left) between the teeth, as well as inside the mouth.
To practice the exercise a small thin rectangular piece of cardboard; about 3 x 4.5 cm, can be used. For example, you may cut a piece of a file folder or a double-layered craft cardboard. Make sure to hold it with your fingers throughout the exercise to avoid choking, and round the corners to avoid gum injuries.
The Apron: Before the X-Ray, a lead apron will be placed around the child's neck to protect their thyroid and internal organs.
A simple kitchen apron, or kid’s art apron, can be used to replicate this element. To help the child feel the weight of the lead apron, you can also place a heavy blanket or weighted buddy on them.
reminder
In all these exercises,
be sure to apply the
CORE PRINCIPLES
'Sandwich'
DISCOVERY
Explore the different elements used for the X-Ray together. First, introduce the white hairdryer, explaining to the child that you are playing the dentist game and that this will be used to take nice pictures of their teeth. It’s a special device that likes to give kisses! Place the hairdryer on your cheek for 3 seconds, as if giving a kiss. Then, move the device towards the child’s cheek for their first kiss. Count out loud. Repeat the exercise on the other cheek and then place the hairdryer in front of them and on their lips. Next, introduce the small rectangular piece of cardboard as the ‘dental X-Ray film’ and explain that this is used to take pictures of their mouth. You can take a piece of cardboard and place it between the teeth of a toy with a dentiform or between your own teeth to demonstrate how it is used. Finally you can put on their apron (or heavy blanket) and give another one to the child to wear.
EXEMPLE / EDUCATION
Show the child how to ‘play X-Ray’ using another family members or a close friend. Start by putting the apron on them, then asking them to open wide so you can place the small piece of cardboard between their teeth, parallel to the cheeks, and the inside of their mouth (keep holding the cardboard between your fingers). Use the hairdryer (unplugged) to take the picture while counting 1-2-3. Praise the person who participated in the exercise, emphasizing that they will surely have beautiful, healthy teeth!
TAKE TURNS
Alternate roles with the child. Let them play the dentist by putting the apron on you first. You can then put it on them. You can even have a 'fashion show' to make the game more fun.
Ask the child to place the small rectangle in your mouth. If they can't do it, do it yourself while showing them it’s easy and not unpleasant. Then, place the small piece of cardboard in the child’s mouth, always holding the cardboard with your fingers to avoid any risk of choking. If the cardboard is too uncomfortable for the child, simply place a finger between the teeth and the inside of the mouth. For children who might bite, place the finger between the cheek and teeth, or avoid putting fingers in their mouth if it’s too dangerous.
We’re ready for the picture! Let the child take a picture of your teeth with the hairdryer, counting 1-2-3. Then do the same to them.
ENACTMENT
Let's play dentist! Put the apron on the child to start the exercise. Then, gently place the small piece of cardboard (or your finger) in the child's mouth, holding it with your fingers to avoid any risk of choking. Take the hairdryer and, counting 1-2-3, simulate taking the X-Ray. Do it for both the lower and upper teeth. Three seconds are generally needed for a dentist to take an X-Ray, so it is not necessary to try to increase the duration for this exercise. Praise the child for each successful step. Remind them that these steps are needed to take beautiful pictures of their teeth to make sure they are healthy.
