Body & Senses
Why do we need to brush our teeth?
Puschel thinks about his teeth. Flauschi explores plaque and careful brushing with him.
The short answer
A coating containing bacteria can build up on teeth. Those bacteria can turn sugar into acids that attack teeth. Brushing with suitable fluoride toothpaste helps protect them. Adults help with the amount and technique.
An imagined Wusel scene
Puschel and Flauschi investigate
Puschel thinks his teeth look clean enough in the mirror. Flauschi points out the little spaces: a quick look cannot show everything. With Lumi they practise brushing carefully. Puschel now takes time for the harder-to-reach places too.
Try explaining it
Why brush teeth that look clean?
Choose a), b) or c), then explain your choice.
- a)Only visible crumbs can harm teeth.
- b)Water instantly makes every coating harmless.
- c)A coating is not always easy to see.
Show the explanation
Correct: c): A coating is not always easy to see.
A coating containing bacteria can build up on teeth. Those bacteria can turn sugar into acids that attack teeth. Brushing with suitable fluoride toothpaste helps protect them. Adults help with the amount and technique.
Word help
- fluoride
- A substance in suitable toothpaste that helps protect teeth from acid attack.
Explore in more detail
Here you will find longer explanations and further details. You can explore them together.
Understand step by step
How it works – simply explained
A coating can form
Teeth develop soft plaque containing bacteria, tiny living organisms. Even an apparently clean tooth can carry plaque.
Acids attack the surface
Some bacteria use sugar and produce acids that damage enamel, the tooth’s hard outer layer. A cavity can develop.
Brushing removes plaque
A brush loosens plaque from tooth surfaces. Suitable fluoride toothpaste provides extra protection. Adults help with thorough brushing and the right amount; brushing only the fronts is not enough.
Why teeth need brushing before dirt is obvious
Soft plaque may be present without looking like a big stain. Bacteria in it use sugar and can produce acids that attack enamel. Even clean-looking teeth need thorough brushing. Fluoride in suitable toothpaste supports protection. Adults help with the right amount and thorough cleaning.
References for this explanation: [1]
The key points again
Discovery 1
Plaque containing bacteria can build up on teeth.
Source: [1]
Discovery 2
Bacteria can make acids from sugar, and these can attack tooth enamel.
Source: [1]
Discovery 3
Regular brushing with suitable fluoride toothpaste protects teeth. Adults help with technique and the right amount.
Source: [1]