New
New
Year 4

Comparing toothpaste (non-statutory)

I can describe the function of toothpaste and compare different ingredients used to make it.

New
New
Year 4

Comparing toothpaste (non-statutory)

I can describe the function of toothpaste and compare different ingredients used to make it.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Toothpaste is a key part of your daily hygiene routine. It helps to remove food and plaque from your teeth and gums.
  2. Different diets and lifestyle choices, like eating sugary foods and smoking, can affect tooth health.
  3. Scientists from the past developed toothbrushes and toothpaste to help reduce tooth decay.
  4. Different toothpaste contains different ingredients to support healthy teeth and gums.
  5. Scientists test different ingredients in toothpaste to compare how effective they are.

Keywords

  • Function - The task that something has is its function.

  • Toothpaste - Toothpaste is a thick, soft, moist substance used on a brush for cleaning one's teeth.

  • Plaque - Plaque is a sticky substance that forms a coating on your teeth and gums.

  • Abrasive - An abrasive material is capable of polishing or cleaning a hard surface by rubbing or grinding.

  • Ingredient - An ingredient is one of the parts in a mixture.

Common misconception

Children may believe all toothpastes are the same.

By investigating the effectiveness of a variety of toothpastes, children will realise there are a range of different toothpastes for different jobs.

Use a variety of toothpastes - children, whitening, sensitive and fluoride.
Teacher tip

Equipment

See additional materials for guidance

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Risk assessment required - equipment

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these things help to keep your teeth and gums healthy?
An image in a quiz
electric screwdriver
Correct answer: electric toothbrush
Correct answer: fluoride toothpaste
sweeping brush
Correct answer: dental floss
Q2.
To keep your teeth and gums healthy, you need to brush your teeth at least a day.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: twice, two times, two, 2
Q3.
is a sticky substance that forms a coating on your teeth and gums.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: plaque
Q4.
What is the surface of the tooth called that can be damaged by the sugary food we eat?
An image in a quiz
root
gum
Correct answer: enamel
jaw
plaque
Q5.
What can happen to your teeth if you consume too many sugary foods and drinks?
An image in a quiz
They grow larger.
They grow smaller.
Teeth will get whiter and stronger.
Correct answer: Teeth can decay and fall out or need to be removed.
Q6.
What does this graph about sugar in drinks show?
An image in a quiz
Cordial is the healthiest drink.
There is no sugar in orange juice and diet cola.
Correct answer: There is no sugar in water and diet cola.
Correct answer: Cola contains the most amount of sugar.
Different drinks weigh different amounts in grams.
Q2 Tasha and Deki/Shutterstock Q3 botazsolti/Shutterstock Q4 Peter Hermes Furian/Shutterstock Q5 TRIG/Shutterstock

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these things is a function of toothpaste?
An image in a quiz
Helps you to smile.
Helps to create cavities.
Correct answer: Helps your breath to stay fresh.
Correct answer: Helps to remove food and plaque when brushing.
Helps to make teeth decay quicker.
Q2.
Toothpaste is a key part of your __________ routine.
An image in a quiz
hourly
Correct answer: daily
monthly
yearly
Q3.
Which of these foods and drinks in your diet will damage your teeth the most?
Correct answer: cake
salad
water
Correct answer: sugary drink
Q4.
can damage teeth by causing yellow stains on the surface of the teeth. This may need a special toothpaste to remove.
An image in a quiz
brushing teeth
hand washing
exercise
Correct answer: smoking
Q5.
What did scientists from the past develop to help reduce tooth decay?
An image in a quiz
false teeth
sugary food
Correct answer: toothbrushes
hairbrushes
Correct answer: toothpaste
Q6.
Scientists test different in toothpaste, such as fluoride and flavourings, to compare how effective they are.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: ingredients, ingredient, materials
Q4 Sergii Kuchugurnyi/shutterstock Q5 Hayati Kayhan/Shutterstock

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