Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain how cleaning teeth, diet and dental check-ups support my dental health.

      Key learning points

      1. Brushing and flossing remove plaque and prevent tooth decay.
      2. A diet low in sugar and high in calcium supports dental health.
      3. Regular dental check-ups help to identify and prevent dental issues.

      Keywords

      • Check-up - in this context, a routine examination by a dentist to check for dental health issues

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

      • Decay - in this context, damage to the surface of a tooth caused by acids

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

      • Calcium - a mineral that helps to build strong bones and teeth

      Common misconception

      Brushing once a day is enough to keep teeth healthy.

      Brushing twice a day is recommended to effectively remove plaque and prevent tooth decay.

      Teacher tip

      Referring to the dentist visits that pupils had in primary school would be useful for context and reassurance here.

      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

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words to their correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:symptom,a physical or mental feature that indicates a condition or disease

      a physical or mental feature that indicates a condition or disease

      Correct Answer:hydration,maintaining an adequate amount of water in the body to support it

      maintaining an adequate amount of water in the body to support it

      Correct Answer:persistent,continuing to exist or endure over a prolonged period

      continuing to exist or endure over a prolonged period

      Correct Answer:hygiene,practices that help maintain health and prevent the spread of diseases

      practices that help maintain health and prevent the spread of diseases

      Q2.
      We can use techniques to treat minor illnesses.

      Correct Answer: self-care

      Q3.
      Most minor illnesses are linked to which areas?

      Correct answer: colds and respiratory illnesses
      persistent and worsening symptoms
      Correct answer: digestive issues
      Correct answer: skin problems and mild allergic reactions

      Q4.
      When should someone seek medical support?

      Correct answer: if there is a serious or emergency situation
      if they have a mild cough for three days
      Correct answer: if they have a high fever (over 38 degrees celsius)
      Correct answer: if they have red spots/dots that don’t fade when you press them with a glass
      if they have nausea for a few hours after travelling

      Q5.
      How can mild digestive issues be treated at home?

      Correct answer: by avoiding foods with too much sugar or artificial sweetener
      Correct answer: by getting lots of rest
      Correct answer: by drinking plenty of water to maintain hydration
      by drinking lots of fizzy drinks and juice
      by using a nasal spray with adult supervision

      Q6.
      Where should you turn to for reliable medical advice?

      Correct answer: call 111
      Correct answer: a doctor
      Correct answer: a pharmacist
      Correct answer: the NHS website
      any website with the word 'health' in the title

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words to their correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:check-up,a routine examination by a dentist to check for dental health issues

      a routine examination by a dentist to check for dental health issues

      Correct Answer:calcium,a mineral that helps to build strong bones and teeth

      a mineral that helps to build strong bones and teeth

      Correct Answer:decay,in this context, damage to the surface of a tooth caused by acids

      in this context, damage to the surface of a tooth caused by acids

      Correct Answer:flossing,a method of cleaning between the teeth using a thin, flexible thread

      a method of cleaning between the teeth using a thin, flexible thread

      Q2.
      Complete the sentence with the missing word: Brushing and flossing remove and prevent tooth decay.

      Correct Answer: plaque

      Q3.
      What should we avoid doing regularly to maintain healthy teeth?

      Correct answer: drinking fizzy drinks
      flossing
      brushing our teeth
      using mouthwash
      Correct answer: using a lot of toothpaste

      Q4.
      What can help to identify and prevent dental issues?

      regular check-ups with a doctor
      regular check-ups with a pharmacist
      Correct answer: regular check-ups with a dentist
      only going to the dentist when we have an issue

      Q5.
      How often should we brush our teeth to maintain good oral hygiene?

      once a month
      Correct answer: twice a day
      three times a year
      four times a day

      Q6.
      What type of diet supports dental health?

      Correct answer: a diet low in sugar and high in calcium
      a diet low in calcium and high in sugar
      a diet low in protein and high in starchy foods
      a diet low in dairy and high in calcium

      To help you plan your 7 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Dental hygiene, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...