Teeth | Year 4 Science PDF Download

The Three Types of Teeth

Our teeth can be categorized into three main types, each serving a distinct purpose in the process of eating:

• Molars: Positioned at the back of the mouth, molars are crucial for grinding food into smaller, digestible pieces. They have a broad surface area ideal for this task.
• Incisors: These are the front teeth responsible for cutting into food. They are sharp-edged and assist in the initial breakdown of food.
• Canines: Located between the incisors and molars, canines are used for tearing food apart. Their pointed shape aids in this tearing action.

Throughout our lives, we go through a process involving two sets of teeth:

• Milk Teeth: Also known as deciduous teeth, these are the first set of teeth that start to develop around six months of age. They play a crucial role in speech development and maintaining space for adult teeth.
• Adult Teeth: As children grow, their milk teeth begin to fall out around the age of five, making way for the permanent teeth. These adult teeth should ideally last a lifetime if properly cared for through good oral hygiene practices.

Understanding Different Types of Animal Teeth

• Animals possess various types of teeth suited to their dietary needs. 
• As omnivores, humans require all three types of teeth to consume both plants and animals. 
• In contrast, herbivores like cows exclusively eat plants, while carnivores solely consume meat.

Maintaining Healthy Teeth

To ensure our teeth last a lifetime, we must take care of them diligently.
Here are some essential practices:

• Brush your teeth twice daily with toothpaste to eliminate plaque buildup.
• Floss in between teeth to remove any food particles stuck in crevices.
• Regularly visit the dentist for check-ups and professional cleaning.
• Reduce the consumption of sugary foods and beverages to prevent tooth decay.