Sticky Teeth Science

Overview

Duration: 15 minutes
Class size: 4 reception students (ages 4-5)
Subject: Science
Topic: Understanding dental plaque and how it forms
Curriculum Links:

• Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) - Understanding the World: The Natural World
• Development Matters: Shows curiosity about living things and the world around them
• NHS England guidance on dental health for early years

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, children will:

• Understand what dental plaque is in simple terms ("germy sticky stuff on teeth")
• Recognise how dental plaque forms on teeth due to sugar and not cleaning teeth
• Experience a fun, practical demonstration showing plaque formation and removal

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Resources

• Small clear plastic cups or containers (4)
• Soft white bread crusts or plain crackers shaped like teeth (4 pieces)
• Spreading knife or cotton bud
• Sugar water solution (1 tsp sugar dissolved in 50ml water)
• Jam or honey (as "sugar")
• Timer (or watch with seconds)
• Toothbrushes (child-friendly ones, 4)
• Paper towels
• Mirror (optional, to look at own teeth)

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Vocabulary & Key Phrases

• Dental plaque = "sticky, invisible stuff on our teeth that can cause spots"
• Bacteria = "tiny germs you can’t see"
• Sugar = "food for germs"
• Brushing = "cleaning your teeth to stop germs"

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (3 minutes)

• Gather children sitting in a circle.
• Begin with a question: “What do we clean every day? Our teeth! But do you know something sticky can build up on teeth called plaque?”
• Introduce plaque as “germy sticky stuff that likes sugar and can make teeth unhappy.”

2. Practical Activity: Plaque on Teeth Demonstration (10 minutes)

Step A: Show the “teeth”

• Give each child a piece of bread crust or cracker representing a tooth. Explain this is their pretend tooth.
• Explain: “Plaque can grow on teeth if we eat lots of sweet stuff and don’t clean.”

Step B: Make “Plaque” form

• Using a cotton bud or small spoon, spread a thin layer of jam or honey ("sugar") on the bread/cracker.
• Explain: “The sugar is the food germs like.”

Step C: Show how plaque is sticky

• Let children try to feel the stickiness with their finger, describing how it feels like sticky germs.

Step D: Clean the “plaque” off

• Give each child a toothbrush and a damp paper towel to pretend clean their bread/cracker tooth.
• Help children gently brush or wipe off the sticky jam.
• Explain: “Brushing helps clean away the sticky germs and sugar so teeth stay happy.”

3. Reflection & Recap (2 minutes)

• Ask children to share what they felt about the sticky stuff.
• Reinforce the message: “If we eat sugary foods and don’t brush, sticky plaque builds up and can hurt our teeth.”
• Optional: Use mirror for children to check their own teeth and remind to brush twice a day.

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Differentiation & Engagement Tips

• For children needing more sensory input, allow tasting small amount of sugar water (supervised).
• Use expressive language and storytelling to personify germs as “tiny naughty helpers for sticky stuff.”
• Reinforce learning with a simple song or rhyme about brushing teeth.

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Assessment

• Informal observation during activity: Are children able to describe plaque as sticky?
• Can children explain why brushing teeth is important by the end of the session?

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Extension Ideas

• Incorporate a simple art activity after class where children paint “happy” and “sad” teeth.
• Create a giant paper tooth model for future sessions showing plaque build-up over time.

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Teacher Notes

This lesson reflects EYFS Understanding the World goals by encouraging curiosity about everyday health and hygiene. The hands-on, sensory activity is designed to be accessible for Reception children, embedding scientific vocabulary in playful language without fear or anxiety around dental health. The limited group size allows personalised attention and ensures engagement.

Encouraging children to connect practical experiences to real-life health habits supports early science learning and personal development in health and self-care, preparing them for KS1 science topics on hygiene and bodily health.