We have two sets of teeth in our lifetimes. Our first set has 20 teeth, which begin growing when we are babies. This set is called our primary teeth, and is also known as baby teeth or milk teeth. We begin losing this set when we are still children, as our adult teeth grow and push out the milk teeth. Our adult set, also known as our secondary set, has 32 teeth.
Primary teeth and secondary teeth sets
We have different types of teeth. Each type has a different purpose:
Incisors - used for biting and cutting food. They are flat, and have smooth edges.
Canines - used for tearing and ripping food. They are pointed and sharp.
Premolars - used for chewing and grinding food. They have 2-3 points (cusps) and are smaller than molars.
Molars - aso used for chewing and grinding food. They have 4 points (cusps) and are larger than premolars.
The four types of teeth
The outer layer of the tooth is a hard white covering called enamel, which protects it from wear and tear. Below the enamel is dentine. This yellow, bone-like material is softer than enamel. The pulp cavity is soft tissue that contains blood vessels and nerves. The nerves send signals to the brain about heat, cold, or pain. The soft tissue around the base of each tooth is called the gum. A gluelike substance called cementum coats the roots of the tooth and keeps it stuck in the jawbone.
A cross-section of a tooth in the gum
There are several things we can do to keep teeth healthy:
Brush your teeth twice a day - this helps to remove the food and bacteria on your teeth that lead to tooth decay. When you brush, you should use a fluoride toothpaste and brush for at least two minutes.
Floss - this removes bits of food that get stuck between your teeth.
Go to the dentist regularly - dentists can give your teeth a thorough clean and fill in any cavities to stop them growing.
Avoid sugary foods - sugar rots your teeth so it is best not to eat too many sugary foods, such as sweets, chocolates and fizzy drinks.
According to the National Curriculum Science objectives, children learn about teeth in KS2. It is assigned as compulsory learning in Year 4 under the 'Animals, including humans' strand of learning.
In Year 4, children should be taught to:
The non-statutory activities suggest that children could find out what damages teeth and how to look after them.
