Types of Teeth
Identify the different types of human teeth (incisors, canines, molars) and describe their functions in eating
What a learner can do afterwards
- Name three types of teeth: incisors, canines, molars
- Describe the function of each: incisors cut, canines tear, molars grind
- Relate tooth type to diet (e.g. herbivores have flat molars, carnivores have sharp canines)
The lesson
Look in a mirror and smile. You will see different shapes of teeth in your mouth. Each shape has its own job when you eat.
Incisors are the flat teeth at the front of your mouth. Their sharp, straight edge is built for cutting food, like biting into an apple.
Zara bites into a tough piece of bread crust. Her canines, the pointy teeth right next to her incisors, tear the crust apart.
You already know lions are carnivores and cows are herbivores. Lions have long, sharp canines for tearing meat. Cows have wide, flat molars for grinding grass all day. Your molars work the same way to grind up your food.
Incisors cut, canines tear, and molars grind, so your food is ready to swallow.
Watch it
Where it sits
This opens up
Nothing builds on it yet.
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.