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Home » Science Experiments for Kids » What are teeth made of?

What are teeth made of?

Modified: Sep 17, 2024 · Published: Oct 31, 2022 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Human teeth allow us to tear, grind, and crush food into smaller pieces, which we then swallow and digest for energy.

Did you know the way your teeth are aligned in your mouth is unique to you? A bit like a fingerprint.

giant plastic teeth

Parts of a Tooth

Enamel

Enamel is the outer layer of the tooth and the hardest tissue in the human body. Enamel protects the inside of the tooth. It may be tough, but enamel cannot fix itself if it becomes damaged, which is why it’s so important to keep teeth clean.

Dentin

Dentin supports the enamel and protects the pulp underneath. It’s softer than enamel.

Pulp

This is the middle part of the tooth and contains nerves, connective tissue and blood vessels.

Cementum

Cementum helps the root of the tooth attach to the gums.

Blood Vessels

Blood vessels supply blood to the teeth.

Nerve

Nerves send signals to the brain if something is wrong with the tooth.

Root

The root of a tooth is the part you can’t see as it sits inside the gum line. The root is about two-thirds of the whole size of the tooth.

Diagram showing the parts of a tooth

How many teeth do children have?

Children have 20 teeth, and adults have 32.

How many types of teeth do humans have?

Humans have five different types of teeth, each with a different function.

Incisors are the four front teeth. Incisors have sharp, flat edges and are usually the first to bite into food.

Canines are on either side of the incisors. They have sharp ends that help cut and rip food.

Premolars are behind the canines. There are four on the top and four on the bottom. Premolars are bigger than canines and incisors with ridges on the top. This type of tooth is important for grinding food into smaller pieces.

Molars are the two teeth behind the premolars. There are four on the top and four on the bottom; these are bigger than premolars and also help with grinding food.

Wisdom teeth are behind the molars and don’t have a specific function.

More teeth activities for kids!

Learn more about the human digestive system by making a model using tights as the small intestine.

Digestion Model squeeze through tights

Use eggs to learn about tooth decay and find out how to keep teeth healthy and stain free.

Hello Wonderful has a gorgeous tooth anatomy printable.

Make a model of some unhealthy teeth using biscuits and marshmallows. You can find this activity in Gross Science.

dirty tooth model made with digestive biscuits, jam and peanut butter
Image from Gross Science Experiments
a person brushing teeth and a cartoon teeth

Last Updated on September 17, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

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Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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