Sharks need to brush their teeth too!

Brushing your teeth is such an important daily routine. Dentists recommend that we brush at least two times a day. This can be challenging to get your child to participate in this much needed routine. You can help your child learn this lesson by making this paper shark and a toothbrush.

To begin print out the shark template on gray paper and cut out the shark. The lines of the print out are thick to help with cutting errors. Allow your child to cut out the shark by themselves, even if it is not perfect.

Next cut a small line from the middle of the jaw of the shark.

Using a hot glue gun, help your child glue the pieces of the shark to the clothespin. Hold open the clothespin to make sure the glue dries onto each side of the paper.

Now it is time to make sharp teeth for the shark. Using scrap paper, create triangles to glue into the mouth of the shark. You can create a row or individual teeth to glue in. After glue the teeth into the mouth of the shark.

Look at your adorable shark, have your child practice opening the mouth of the shark.

Next add an eye and gills on the shark using a black marker.

Now it is time to create a toothbrush for your shark. You can make the toothbrush using a popsicle stick and white paper or foam. Glue on a rectangle shape of paper or foam using hot glue. Once it is attached, use scissors to cut slits going up to make the toothbrush bristles. Have your child practice brushing the shark's teeth to remind them of the daily routine.