Looking after our teeth: plan and do (non-statutory)
I can investigate what damages teeth and how to look after them.
Looking after our teeth: plan and do (non-statutory)
I can investigate what damages teeth and how to look after them.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Humans have two sets of teeth in their lifetime; the teeth you have as a child are replaced by adult teeth.
- A build up of plaque can lead to tooth decay.
- To look after your teeth, visit the dentist for regular check-ups and brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Food and drink that contains lots of sugar can cause tooth decay.
- Scientists investigate which drinks are harmful 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.
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.
To help you plan your year 4 science lesson on: Looking after our teeth: plan and do (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 4 science lesson on: Looking after our teeth: plan and do (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Introduction to the human digestive system unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
See additional materials for further guidance.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
wide, flat and bumpy
sharp and flat
sharp and pointed
chew and grind
rip and tear
cut and bite
Exit quiz
6 Questions
