This season is a wonderful time for families to bond and embrace their creative sides. Dallas Dental Wellness is excited to share some fun, easy crafts that not only bring joy but also offer a unique dental wellness twist. Check out these delightful winter DIY projects!
Paper Snowflakes
Supplies: You’ll need white paper, scissors, and string if you wish to hang them.
Directions: Fold your paper into a square and then into a triangle. Cut small shapes along the folds and edges. Unfold to reveal your unique snowflake!
Healthy Smile Tip: Crafting, like making paper snowflakes, is known to reduce stress and enhance mood. Lower stress levels can prevent oral health issues like mouth sores and teeth grinding. So, as you snip away, remember you’re also taking care of your smile!
Popcorn and Cranberry Garland
Supplies: Popcorn, cranberries, dental floss, and a needle.
Directions: Thread the needle with a long piece of dental floss. Carefully string popcorn and cranberries alternately to create a colorful pattern.
Healthy Smile Tip: This craft is a fun way to discuss dental health. Talk about how foods like popcorn can get stuck between teeth, emphasizing the importance of flossing – just like what you’re doing with the garland!
Stovetop Potpourri
Supplies: Oranges, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a pot.
Directions: Slice the oranges and place them in a pot with cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Cover with water and simmer on low heat to fill your home with a festive scent.
Healthy Smile Tip: Fresh cranberries can help prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth. Think about incorporating these tart berries into salads when they’re fresh or adding them to trail mix in their dried form.
Pinecone Animals
Supplies: Pinecones, felt, googly eyes, glue, and any other decorative items you like.
Directions: Use the felt to create ears, noses, and other body parts. Glue these, along with googly eyes, onto the pinecones to bring your pinecone animals to life.
Healthy Smile Tip: While crafting your pinecone animals, it’s fun to snack. Choose teeth-friendly snacks like crunchy vegetables or cheese, which can help clean your teeth and promote saliva production. These snacks are much better for your oral health compared to sugary ones and can be a great way to keep your energy up while being creative!
These winter DIY projects are not just fun activities; they’re also a way to weave in important conversations about oral health. Dallas Dental Wellness encourages families to explore their creativity while keeping their smiles bright and healthy this season. Happy crafting!
Sources:
“23 Easy Snowflake Crafts for Fun Winter Activities,” Crafty Ideas, https://craftyartideas.com/easy-snowflake-crafts-kids/
“DIY Cranberry and Popcorn Garland,” Salty Canary, https://www.saltycanary.com/diy-old-fashioned-cranberry-popcorn-garland/
“How to Make Stovetop Potpourri,” The Pioneer Woman, https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/cooking-tips-tutorials/a100532/how-to-make-stovetop-potpourri/
“Nature Fun With Your Kids: Make Pinecone Animals!” Super Make It, https://supermakeit.com/blog/2021/11/16/pinecone-animals
