New
New
Year 4

Looking after our teeth: plan and do (non-statutory)

I can investigate what damages teeth and how to look after them.

New
New
Year 4

Looking after our teeth: plan and do (non-statutory)

I can investigate what damages teeth and how to look after them.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Humans have two sets of teeth in their lifetime; the teeth you have as a child are replaced by adult teeth.
  2. A build up of plaque can lead to tooth decay.
  3. To look after your teeth, visit the dentist for regular check-ups and brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  4. Food and drink that contains lots of sugar can cause tooth decay.
  5. Scientists investigate which drinks are harmful to teeth.

Common misconception

Pupils may believe that sweet food is bad for the teeth and savoury food is good for the teeth. Also, that drinks do not contain sugar and therefore cannot be harmful to teeth.

As you look at the effect of different drinks on teeth, children will be able to see that it depends on the sugar content of the drink. High levels of sugar cause damage to teeth.

Keywords

  • Teeth - Teeth are used to break down food before it is swallowed.

  • Enamel - Enamel is the hard shiny outer layer covering the surface of a tooth.

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

  • Decay - When teeth decay, they gradually break down and rot away.

  • Fluoride toothpaste - Fluoride toothpaste is very effective in preventing tooth decay.

Be sensitive to children who may struggle to access dental products to keep their teeth clean and have access to healthy foods.
Teacher tip

Equipment

See additional materials for further guidance.

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment
  • Exploration of objects

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).

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these people help to keep your teeth healthy?
An image in a quiz
doctor
Correct answer: dental hygienist
optician
Correct answer: dentist
Q2.
Humans have sets of teeth in their lifetime.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: two , Two, 2
Q3.
Match the teeth to their shape.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer:molars,wide, flat and bumpy

wide, flat and bumpy

Correct Answer:incisors,sharp and flat

sharp and flat

Correct Answer:canines ,sharp and pointed

sharp and pointed

Q4.
Match the teeth to their function.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer:molars,chew and grind

chew and grind

Correct Answer:canines,rip and tear

rip and tear

Correct Answer:incisors ,cut and bite

cut and bite

Q5.
Scientists make predictions before they carry out an investigation. What is a prediction?
An image in a quiz
a plan to show them what to do
a table to collect data
a resource list of equipment
Correct answer: a guess about what they think will happen
Q6.
Teeth are part of which system in our bodies?
An image in a quiz
circulatory system
nervous system
Correct answer: digestive system
muscular system

6 Questions

Q1.
Humans have two sets of teeth in their life time. What is the first set of teeth called?
An image in a quiz
false teeth
Correct answer: deciduous teeth
permanent teeth
evergreen teeth
Q2.
The sticky pale yellow material that can build up on teeth is called ...
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: plaque, Plaque.
Q3.
Which of these things should you do to keep your teeth healthy?
An image in a quiz
Eat lots of sweets.
Correct answer: Brush you teeth at least twice a day.
Drink lots of sugary drinks.
Correct answer: Visit the dentist regularly.
Correct answer: Use a toothpaste with fluoride in it.
Q4.
A build up of plaque can lead to tooth ...
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: decay, damage, ache
Q5.
Which of these drinks would cause the most tooth decay?
An image in a quiz
water
Correct answer: sugary drink
milk
Q6.
Which of these questions could a scientist ask if they were investigating tooth decay?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: Which of these drinks causes the most damage to teeth?
Which of these drinks tastes the nicest?
Which of these drinks is the cheapest?
Q6 Stanislaw Mikulski/Shutterstock

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