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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain the importance of healthy teeth and how to maintain good oral hygiene.

      Key learning points

      1. Different types of teeth include incisors, canines, premolars and molars.
      2. Brushing and flossing help remove plaque and prevent cavities.
      3. Sugary foods and drinks can harm teeth.
      4. Healthy habits like regular dental check-ups and avoiding regular sugary snacks promote healthy teeth.

      Keywords

      • Incisors - teeth at the front of the mouth that are used for cutting food

      • Canines - pointed teeth next to incisors that are used for tearing food

      • Molars - large teeth at the back of the mouth used for grinding food

      • Plaque - a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and can cause cavities

      • Flossing - a method of cleaning between the teeth using a thin thread

      Common misconception

      More toothpaste means cleaner teeth.

      Using too much toothpaste can be harmful to our teeth; a pea-sized amount is sufficient for effective cleaning.

      Teacher tip

      It may be useful to remind pupils that you do not have to pay for NHS dental treatment if you're under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words with the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:healthy eating,eating a range of foods in the right amounts to stay healthy

      eating a range of foods in the right amounts to stay healthy

      Correct Answer:exercise,physical activities that help keep our bodies healthy and strong

      physical activities that help keep our bodies healthy and strong

      Correct Answer:energy,the strength needed to do things, like playing and learning

      the strength needed to do things, like playing and learning

      Q2.
      Which statements are true?

      Correct answer: We should aim to exercise for 60 minutes a day.
      Our skeleton is made up of muscles which help our body to move.
      Children should not do strengthening exercises.
      Correct answer: A healthy week should also include plenty of rest and relaxation.

      Q3.
      Match the food group with how much of our diet it should make up.

      Correct Answer:starchy foods,large amount

      large amount

      Correct Answer:fruits and vegetables,large amount

      large amount

      Correct Answer:high fat and sugary foods and drinks,small amount

      small amount

      Correct Answer:dairy/healthy dairy alternative,medium amount

      medium amount

      Correct Answer:protein,medium amount

      medium amount

      Q4.
      Eggs, meat, fish, tofu and beans belong to the food group.

      Correct Answer: protein, proteins

      Q5.
      Healthy foods contain lots of which are important for good health, development and growth.

      Correct Answer: nutrients, vitamins, minerals

      Q6.
      Which mineral helps to build strong bones and teeth?

      Correct Answer: calcium

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words with the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:incisors,teeth at the front of the mouth that are used for cutting food

      teeth at the front of the mouth that are used for cutting food

      Correct Answer:canines,pointed teeth next to incisors that are used for tearing food

      pointed teeth next to incisors that are used for tearing food

      Correct Answer:molars,large teeth at the back of the mouth used for grinding food

      large teeth at the back of the mouth used for grinding food

      Q2.
      is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and can cause cavities.

      Correct Answer: plaque

      Q3.
      Which statements are true?

      We only need to brush our teeth to have healthy teeth.
      More toothpaste means cleaner teeth.
      Correct answer: Brushing and flossing helps prevent cavities.
      Correct answer: We should brush our teeth with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

      Q4.
      Visiting the regularly is a healthy habit for looking after our teeth.

      Correct Answer: dentist, dentists, dental practice

      Q5.
      Which healthy habit involves cleaning between the teeth using a thin thread?

      using a manual toothpaste
      using an electric toothbrush
      Correct answer: flossing

      Q6.
      Which substance often found in less healthy snacks and some drinks can be harmful to our teeth?

      Correct Answer: sugar

      To help you plan your 4 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Healthy teeth, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...