Year 4 - Science
Looking after our teeth: plan and do (non-statutory)
Introduction to the human digestive system
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit covers the basic functions of the human digestive system and identifies different types of teeth and their functions. It focuses on asking questions, gathering and presenting data, recording findings with diagrams and charts, and reporting results through written and oral presentations.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to investigate what damages teeth and how to look after them.
Key Notes
- 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.
Vocabulary To Learn
- 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.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- 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.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key 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.
2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'teeth'
Teeth are used to break down food before it is swallowed. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: 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. Correction: 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.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Carnivore, herbivore and omnivore teeth (non-statutory) Study Guide
- Comparing toothpaste (non-statutory) Study Guide
- Different teeth for different food Study Guide
- Looking after our teeth: review (non-statutory) Study Guide
- More about the journey of food Study Guide
- Presenting the human digestive system Study Guide
- The functions of teeth Study Guide
- The human digestive system Study Guide
- Types of teeth Study Guide
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