• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Menu
  • Science Experiments For Kids
  • Science Fair Projects
  • Preschool Science
  • Science Facts
  • Printable Experiments
  • Science Sparks Books
  • Science Questions
  • Contact Me
Science Experiments for Kids
Menu
  • STEM Challenges
  • Early Years Science
    • Preschool Science
    • Sensory and Messy Play
    • Understanding of the World
    • Pirate Science Experiments
  • Primary Science
    • Baking Soda Experiments
    • Candy Experiments
    • Biology
    • Climate Change for Kids
    • Coding for Kids
    • Chemistry
    • Electricity for Kids
    • Magic Science Experiments
    • Harry Potter Experiments
    • Human Body Science
    • Air Pressure Experiments
    • Life Cycles
    • LEGO Science Experiments
    • Kitchen Science
    • Famous Scientists
    • Forces and Motion
    • Science Sparks Snippets
    • Key Stage 1 Science
      • Animals
      • Everyday Materials
      • Plants
      • Coding Activities
      • Humans and Health
      • Fine Motor skills
      • Science and Literacy
    • Key Stage 2 Science
      • Animals, Including Humans
      • Electricity
      • Light
      • Plants
      • Materials and their Properties
  • Key Stage 3
  • Holiday Science
    • Christmas Science
    • Halloween Science
    • Easter Science
  • Storybook Themed Science Experiments
  • Wonderful Women in STEM
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • FREE Experiments
  • Science for Kids
    • Kitchen Science
    • Climate Change
    • Egg Experiments
    • Fairy Tale Science
    • Edible Science
    • Human Health
    • Chemistry
    • Inspirational Women
    • Forces and Motion
  • Science Fair Projects
  • STEM Challenges
  • Science Sparks Books
  • Contact Science Sparks
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

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

    What are teeth made of?

    October 31, 2022 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    Human teeth allow us to tear, grind and crush food into smaller pieces so we can swallow and digest the food 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 5 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. Canines also have sharp ends to 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 October 31, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

    « Colourful Jar Experiment
    Burping Balloons »

    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.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    What are you looking for?

    JOIN US!

    Get new experiments straight into your inbox every week!!

    Thank you!

    You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

    .

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Science Sparks - FREE science experiments for kids

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Services
    • Media Kit
    • FAQ

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Science Sparks - Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd