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

Starter quiz

Which of these people help to keep your teeth healthy?
- doctor
- dental hygienist ✓
- optician
- dentist ✓
Humans have ______ sets of teeth in their lifetime.
- 'two ' ✓
Match the teeth to their shape.
- molars
  
  ⇔
  
  wide, flat and bumpy ✓
- incisors
  
  ⇔
  
  sharp and flat ✓
- canines
  
  ⇔
  
  sharp and pointed ✓
Match the teeth to their function.
- molars
  
  ⇔
  
  chew and grind ✓
- canines
  
  ⇔
  
  rip and tear ✓
- incisors
  
  ⇔
  
  cut and bite ✓
Scientists make predictions before they carry out an investigation. What is a prediction?
- a plan to show them what to do
- a table to collect data
- a resource list of equipment
- a guess about what they think will happen ✓
Teeth are part of which system in our bodies?
- circulatory system
- nervous system
- digestive system ✓
- muscular system

Exit quiz

Humans have two sets of teeth in their life time. What is the first set of teeth called?
- false teeth
- deciduous teeth ✓
- permanent teeth
- evergreen teeth
The sticky pale yellow material that can build up on teeth is called ...
- 'plaque' ✓
Which of these things should you do to keep your teeth healthy?
- Eat lots of sweets.
- Brush you teeth at least twice a day. ✓
- Drink lots of sugary drinks.
- Visit the dentist regularly. ✓
- Use a toothpaste with fluoride in it. ✓
A build up of plaque can lead to tooth ...
- 'decay' ✓
Which of these drinks would cause the most tooth decay?
- water
- sugary drink ✓
- milk
Which of these questions could a scientist ask if they were investigating tooth decay?
- Which of these drinks causes the most damage to teeth? ✓
- Which of these drinks tastes the nicest?
- Which of these drinks is the cheapest?

Worksheet

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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.

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.