Every meal goes on a long journey. It starts with the teeth, which bite, tear and grind, and carries on through the stomach and intestines, where the body takes what it needs. At Tooth Tower, Year 3 scientists follow the whole trip.
What your child will learn
- Name incisors, canines and molars and say what each does
- Explain how to keep teeth healthy and what causes decay
- Name the main parts of the digestive system in order
- Describe what the stomach and intestines do
Three kinds of teeth
Incisors are the flat teeth at the front, for biting and cutting. Canines are the pointed teeth beside them, for tearing. Molars are the wide teeth at the back, for grinding and chewing. Children have 20 milk teeth, which fall out to make room for up to 32 adult teeth.
Animals’ teeth match their food: lions have big canines for tearing meat, and cows have flat molars for grinding grass.
The journey of food
Chewing and saliva turn food into a soft ball. It travels down the oesophagus to the stomach, which churns it and mixes it with acid. In the small intestine, nutrients pass into the blood. The large intestine takes back water, and what is left leaves the body as waste.
Example questions
Here are a few questions like the ones in the first quest. Can you solve them?
1. Where does digestion begin?
- In the feet
- In the heart
- In the lungs
- In the mouth
Show answer
Answer: In the mouth. Chewing and saliva start breaking food down straight away.
2. Which teeth are pointed, for tearing food?
- Canines
- Molars
- Incisors
- Milk teeth
Show answer
Answer: Canines. Canines are the pointed teeth next to your incisors.
3. Who checks that your teeth are healthy?
- A dentist
- A pilot
- A vet
- A baker
Show answer
Answer: A dentist. A dentist looks after teeth and gums.
Tips for grown-ups
- Look in a mirror together and find your incisors, canines and molars.
- Brush for two minutes, twice a day — use a timer or a favourite song.
- Leave an egg in cola overnight to see how dark, sugary drinks stain the shell — just as they stain teeth.