1
Three kinds of teeth
Workbook 2: Topic 4.5, pp. 57–58
GoalName incisors, canines and molars, and say where they are in the mouth.
New words
incisor · a flat, sharp front tooth, for cutting and bitingcanine · a pointed tooth next to the incisors, for gripping and tearingmolar · a big, wide tooth at the back, for chewing and grinding
Explanation
We use our teeth to bite and chew food. We have three kinds of teeth, and each kind has its own shape and its own job. Incisors are at the front. They are flat and thin, and they cut and bite. Canines come next, one on each side. They are pointed, and they grip and tear. Molars are at the back. They are big and wide, and they chew and grind food into small pieces. Look in a mirror and gently find your own teeth with your tongue.
Worked examples
The incisors are the front teeth. When you smile, they are the ones people see first.
The canines are pointed like little corners of a house roof. There are four of them, two at the top and two at the bottom.
The molars are the wide back teeth. Their bumpy tops are good for squashing food.
Class activity
Mirror check (with an adult): wash your hands, then look at your teeth in a mirror. Can you see flat front teeth? Pointed teeth beside them? Wide teeth at the back? Draw your mouth and colour the incisors blue, the canines red and the molars green.
Practice
1
Name the three kinds of teeth.
Incisors, canines and molars.
2
Which tooth is highlighted?
A molar, a wide back tooth.
3
Look at the highlighted teeth. What are they called? Are they flat, pointed or wide?
They are canines. They are pointed.
4
Where in your mouth are the incisors?
At the front of the mouth, at the top and at the bottom.