Teeth: types, functions and dental care

The four types of human teeth, what each one does, and how to keep them healthy

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Try each question. If you're stuck, leave it and come back. The answer key is on the last page.

1
Which type of tooth is used for cutting and biting food? A) Incisors B) Canines C) Premolars D) Molars
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2
How often should you brush your teeth? A) Twice a day - morning and before bed B) Once a week C) Only after eating sweets D) Once a day after lunch
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3
Why is it a good idea to visit a dentist regularly? A) To check for problems early and clean teeth thoroughly B) To get sweets as a reward C) Only when teeth start to hurt D) To have all your teeth removed
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4
Which teeth are at the front and used for biting? A) Incisors B) Molars C) Canines D) Premolars
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5
Label the four types of tooth in this human jaw.
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6
Match each type of tooth to its job. Match each item on the left to one on the right. Left: Incisors, Canines, Premolars, Molars Right: Cut and bite food, Tear tough food, Crush food, Grind food
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7
True or false? A typical adult human has 32 teeth, including 4 wisdom teeth. A) True B) False
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8
True or false? Carnivores have flat molars at the back because they eat lots of plants. A) True B) False
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9
Why do humans have a mix of incisors, canines and molars? A) We are omnivores and need to eat plants and meat B) We have weak teeth C) Only adults have molars D) Humans only eat plants
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10
Complete the sentence about brushing. Fluoride in toothpaste helps strengthen tooth ___.
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Answer key

Teeth: types, functions and dental care · for parents and teachers

1
Incisors
Incisors are the flat, chisel-shaped teeth at the front. Their straight edges are perfect for cutting and biting.
2
Twice a day - morning and before bed
Brushing twice a day (morning and before bed) removes plaque and food, helping to stop tooth decay.
3
To check for problems early and clean teeth thoroughly
Regular dentist visits catch decay early, when it is easier to treat, and remove tartar that brushing can't remove.
4
Incisors
Incisors are the flat, sharp-edged teeth at the front, used for cutting and biting.
5
incisor: incisor; canine: canine; premolar: premolar; molar: molar
From the front: incisors (cutting), canines (tearing), premolars (crushing), molars (grinding) at the back.
6
Incisors → Cut and bite food; Canines → Tear tough food; Premolars → Crush food; Molars → Grind food
Incisors cut, canines tear, premolars crush and molars grind. Each shape suits its job in breaking down food.
7
True
True. A full adult set is 32 teeth, with 4 wisdom teeth right at the back. Children only have 20 milk teeth.
8
False
False. Carnivores have sharper teeth suited to meat. Flat molars are typical of herbivores.
9
We are omnivores and need to eat plants and meat
Humans are omnivores, so we have teeth designed for cutting, tearing and grinding a varied diet.
10
enamel
Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and protect against decay.