Types of Teeth and Their Jobs: Free KS2 Science Worksheet

What this worksheet covers

Humans have four kinds of teeth, but at Key Stage 2 children usually focus on three: incisors, canines and molars (premolars are often introduced as a type of grinding tooth alongside molars). This worksheet asks children to recognise each type by its shape and position and to describe its simple job.

The flat, chisel-shaped incisors at the front bite and cut food. The pointier canines at the corners of the mouth grip and tear. The broad, lumpy molars at the back grind and crush food into small pieces ready to swallow. Linking each shape to its function helps children understand that a tooth's form matches the job it does.

How to use the sheet at home or in class

Begin with the mirror task. Invite the child to look in a mirror, or to feel their own teeth gently with a clean finger, and notice how the front teeth feel thin and flat while the back teeth feel wide and bumpy. They tick each type of tooth as they find it, which makes the link between their own mouth and the scientific names.

Move on to the written questions, encouraging full sentences such as ‘Molars grind and crush food.’ A small word bank is provided to support spelling and to scaffold less confident writers. For an extension, ask the child to name a food that each type of tooth is especially good for, such as biting an apple with incisors.

Common misconceptions to watch for

Children often assume every tooth does the same job, or that the sharp canines are for chewing. Ask them to chew a piece of apple slowly and notice that the chewing actually happens at the back, where the wide molars meet. Another common mix-up is confusing ‘canines’ with dogs; it helps to mention that the name comes from the slightly fang-like shape, which all of us have.

Children aged 8 and 9 have a mix of milk teeth and new adult teeth, and some will have gaps. If they cannot find every type, or a back tooth looks small, reassure them this is completely normal.

Why looking after teeth matters

The Year 4 curriculum also asks children to think about keeping teeth healthy. Once the types of teeth are clear, you can extend the discussion to dental care: brushing twice a day, reducing sugary snacks and drinks, and visiting the dentist. Linking the grinding job of molars to the food that gets trapped in them gives a memorable reason for careful brushing.

This makes a natural follow-on conversation after the worksheet and connects classroom science to a useful everyday habit, without ever making the topic feel like a lecture.

Frequently asked questions