Teaching 6th graders about the teeth

In stem science class this month each week we are learning about a different part of the body.

Each week we start by prayer and laying our class before God. Then we review the previous weeks work that we have done. Last week we discussed organs of the body and there functions, the week before we learned about DNA of the body.

This week we are discussing the teeth. You know the the things in your mouth that you chew with!

Where do they come from? Are they made of bone?

Why is it so important to take care of them? So many questions....

I start by asking the kids what teeth are and get there definiton and information they have to share. Then I will review some information briefly.

Teeth

Your teeth help you to chew and break down food before you swallow. Most humans have 32 teeth but some can have more or less depending. Enamel is the strongest substance in the human body. Even though teeth look like bones, they are not. They are called ectodermal organs like hair, skin and sweat glands.

Most adults have 32 teeth

Most children between ages 4 months and 6 years old have 20 teeth (baby teeth that eventually fall out so adult teeth can grow in).

Four types of teeth

Incisors

Canines

Premolars

Molars

Incisors- Most visible of the teeth. Most people have 4 uppers and 4 lowers

Canines- The name came because these teeth resemble a dogs fangs. Most people have four, 1 on each side on top and bottom.

Premolars- These teeth are between your canines and molars in the back of your mouth. Premolar teeth have features of canines and premolars helping to crush food into smaller pieces.

Molars- These teeth are in the very back of your mouth and about 90% of your chewing takes place there. Most adults have 12 Molars, 3 on each side on both top and bottom. Molar teeth include wisdom teeth (3rd molars).

Teeth work together to help you tear, cut and grind your food. Your tongue and upper part of your throat (oropharynx) shape the food into a small ball that's easy to swallow.

Your tooth is made up of two main structures:

Crown: This is the part you can see, the portion that is above the gums. Enamel- hard, protective substance that covers the tooth crown.

Root: This is the part that holds your tooth into your jaw. You can't see it because the gum covers it. The root anchors the tooth to the soft connective tissue that lines your tooth socket.

Have you ever went to the dentist and they count your teeth? Dentists have this numbering system to label the teeth. This helps the dentist to be able to chart and keep good records.

Do you brush your teeth? How often? Floss? How often?

Why is it important to brush and floss your teeth?

Have you ever had a cavity?

To prevent cavities, you need to remove plaque. To do this, brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. Brushing also stimulates the gums, which helps to keep them healthy and prevent gum disease. Brushing and flossing are the most important things that you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

There are other health problems associated with the teeth and connected to the heart, so healthy brushing and flossing routines are important.

Watch a video here about teeth!