Dental Cavity Potential Kit

The Dental Cavity Potential Kit is a dental cavity science kit that helps students investigate how sugar consumption and oral hygiene affect bacterial growth in the mouth. Through hands-on lab activities, students measure bacteria levels and test how rinsing impacts cavity-causing conditions. This inquiry-based investigation connects microbiology, nutrition, and health science while helping students understand the science behind tooth decay.

Investigate How Sugar Affects Oral Bacteria

Students begin by collecting their own saliva samples in microcentrifuge tubes, adding dye, and mixing the solution. The resulting color is compared with a bacteria count chart to estimate the amount of bacteria present. This process introduces students to laboratory measurement techniques used in microbiology and health science research.

Test the Impact of Sugar and Rinsing

Students then measure glucose levels in their mouths before and after rinsing with a liquid glucose solution and after eating a caramel. By comparing these results, they are able to analyze how sugar consumption affects oral chemistry and evaluate whether rinsing helps reduce conditions that lead to tooth decay.

Explore Oral Health Like a Scientist

Developed by the Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition at Temple University School of Dentistry, these experiments help students quantify bacteria and explore the relationship between sugar consumption and cavity formation. By collecting and interpreting their own data, students see firsthand how daily habits can influence long-term oral health. As they analyze their results, learners begin thinking like health science professionals, evaluating evidence the way dentists, dental hygienists, nutritionists, and biochemists study the connections between oral health and diet.

The full activity sequence is designed for four 45-minute lab periods, allowing students time to collect samples, analyze results, and draw conclusions about the effectiveness of oral hygiene habits. Accommodates 24 students. Recommended for Middle School and up.

Standards: Aligns with NGSS.

CHOKING HAZARD (1). Not for under 3 yrs.

Benefits for STEM Learning

• Demonstrates how sugar affects bacterial growth and cavity formation
• Supports hands-on exploration of microbiology and oral health science
• Builds laboratory skills in sample collection and data interpretation
• Encourages evidence-based thinking about health and hygiene habits
• Connects biology and chemistry concepts to real-world health applications
• Introduces careers in dentistry, nutrition science, and biochemistry

Help students investigate the science of cavities and discover how everyday habits impact oral health.

Kit includes:

• Instructor's Manual with Reproducible Student Data Sheet, 1 Ea
• 5 mL Microcentrifuge Tubes, 1 Ea
• Oxidizing Dye, 1 Ea
• Sodium Hydroxide, 1 Ea
• Small Cups for Sample Collection, 1 Ea
• Glucose, 1 Ea
• Glucose Test Strips, 1 Ea
• Color Charts, 1 Ea

Materials needed, but not included:

• Caramels, 24 Ea
• Tube Rack, 1 Ea
• Personal Protective Equipment (Gloves, Goggles, Aprons), 1 Ea
• Timer, 1 Ea
• Pipets, 1 Ea