The functions of teeth | Science | Quizalize & Oak National Academy

Starter quiz

Which of these careers might use special mirrors to observe teeth?
- dentist ✓
- den builder
- dental hygienist ✓
- driving instructor
What are the three main types of teeth in humans?
- incisors ✓
- fangs
- molars ✓
- canines ✓
- felines
Which type of teeth are found at the front of the jaw?
- 'incisors' ✓
Which type of teeth are found at the back of the jaw?
- 'molars' ✓
Which type of teeth are found on either side of the teeth at the front of the jaw?
- 'canines' ✓
Match the type of teeth with its description.
- molars
  
  ⇔
  
  wide, flat but bumpy ✓
- canines
  
  ⇔
  
  sharp and pointed ✓
- incisors
  
  ⇔
  
  sharp and flat ✓

Exit quiz

True or false? Teeth are part of the human digestive system.
- True ✓
- False
Different teeth have different jobs to do when we eat food. These different jobs are called ______.
- 'functions' ✓
What is the function of molar teeth?
- to rip and tear food
- to grind and chew food ✓
- to bite and cut food
What is the function of canine teeth?
- to rip and tear food ✓
- to grind and chew food
- to bite and cut food
What is the function of incisor teeth?
- to rip and tear food
- to grind and chew food
- to bite and cut food ✓
Which statement about teeth is true?
- Different teeth work together so that dentists have jobs to do.
- Different teeth work together to allow you to taste your food.
- Different teeth work together to break down food to travel through the body. ✓
- Different teeth work together so that you can smile.

Worksheet

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Lesson Details

Key learning points

Teeth are part of the human digestive system.
Different types of teeth have different functions, but work together to break down food to travel through the body.
Incisors are sharp and flat, and are used to cut and bite food.
Canines are sharp and more pointed, and are used to rip and tear food.
Molars are wide and bumpy, and are used to chew and grind food.

Common misconception

Children may think that all teeth are the same and that they perform the same job to break down food in exactly the same way.

Eating a few different types of food (Task A) will help children to see for themselves which teeth they are using and what they are actually doing to break down food in different ways.

Keywords

Digestive system - The digestive system is all the organs in the body that break down and digest food.
Functions - The tasks or jobs that a thing has are its functions.
Incisors - Incisors are teeth that are used to bite and cut food.
Canines - Canines are teeth that are used for tearing and ripping food.
Molars - Molars are teeth that are used for grinding up and chewing food.