- Year 4
Types of teeth
I can identify and name different types of teeth in humans.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Teeth can be observed in the mouth using a mirror.
- Dentists and dental hygienists use special mirrors to observe teeth more closely.
- At the front of the jaw, incisor teeth look flat and smooth.
- Near the front of the jaw, canine teeth look sharp and pointed.
- At the back of the jaw, molar teeth look wide, flat but bumpy.
Keywords
Teeth - Teeth are used to break down food before it is swallowed.
Observe - To observe is to look very closely and use other senses too.
Incisors - Incisors are sharp, flat teeth found at the front of the mouth.
Canines - Canines are slightly pointed teeth at the sides of your mouth, they are used for tearing food.
Molars - Molars are teeth found at the back of the jaw with a rounded or flattened surface. They are used for grinding and chewing food.
Common misconception
Children may think that all teeth are the same shape and size, and that different teeth do not have different names. They often do not know that our teeth are already in our jaw when we are born.
Allow opportunities for children to feel and look at their own teeth for differences in shape and size.
Equipment
Dough or clay - something suitable for modelling gums and teeth. Small mirrors to observe their own teeth.
Content guidance
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Where in the human body would you find your teeth?
Q2.Which of these do we need teeth for?
Q3.Which part of your mouth helps you to taste your food?
Q4.When scientists look closely, and use other senses too, they are ...
Q5.What is the part of the body that your teeth push through when they grow?
Q6.Which part of the body is this bone?
