Class: Primary One
Term: First Term
Subject: Pre-vocational Studies
Curriculum Theme: Home Economics
Previous Lesson: Daily Care of the Body, Materials used
Topic: Care of The Mouth, Teeth and Tongue
Content/Learning Area: What is Tooth Decay?, Causes of Tooth Decay, Prevention of Tooth Decay
Time Allocation: 40 minutes
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain:
- Define tooth decay.
- Identify at least two causes of tooth decay.
- Explain at least three ways to prevent tooth decay.
- psychomotor Domain:
- Demonstrate proper teeth brushing techniques.
- Affective Domain:
- show gratitude for the importance of oral hygiene.
- Social Domain:
- Share knowledge about oral hygiene with others.
Reference Materials
- 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational resource Center Scheme of Work
- NAPPS national Unified Scheme of Work
- Online Data
- Relevant textbooks
Instructional materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials:
- Whiteboard or chart
- Markers or chalk
- pictures of healthy and unhealthy teeth
- Toothbrush and toothpaste (optional)
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is crucial for establishing good oral hygiene habits from a young age. good oral hygiene prevents tooth decay and promotes overall health.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have likely eaten breakfast and may have some awareness of brushing their teeth.
Lesson content
What is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay, also called cavities, happens when bacteria in the mouth damage the enamel (the hard outer layer of teeth), causing holes and sensitivity.
Causes of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay occurs due to several factors that contribute to the breakdown of tooth enamel.
The following are:
- Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing regularly lets bacteria build up and damage enamel.
- Sugary and acidic foods: These feed the bacteria, increasing decay.
- Frequent snacking: Eating sugary or acidic snacks often gives bacteria more chances to harm teeth.
- Dry mouth: Saliva helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles; a lack of saliva can increase the risk of decay.
- Genetics: Some people are more prone to tooth decay due to genetic factors affecting enamel strength or saliva composition.
Prevention of Tooth decay
Preventing tooth decay involves adopting good oral hygiene habits and making informed dietary choices.
These include:
- Brush twice daily: Morning and before bed, to remove food and bacteria. This helps remove food particles and bacteria.
- Floss daily: Removes food and plaque from between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods: Reduce intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
- Regular dental checkups: Prevent decay and other dental problems.
- Use fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent decay.
- Drink plenty of water: Water helps wash away food particles and keeps the mouth hydrated, promoting saliva production.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Discussion, Exhibition, Question and answer.
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
step 1: Introduction (Set Induction)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: Ask pupils about their breakfast and if they brushed their teeth. Introduce the topic: Care of the mouth, Teeth, and Tongue.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer the teacher’s questions and listen attentively.
Step 2: Description of Key Concepts
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explaining
Teacher’s Activity: Explain what tooth decay is and show pictures of healthy and unhealthy teeth.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen attentively and ask questions.
Step 3: Demonstration/Guided Practise
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstrating
Teacher’s Activity: Demonstrate proper teeth brushing techniques (if materials are available).
Pupils’ Activity: observe the demonstration and practice brushing their teeth (if materials are available).
step 4: Independent Practice
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Monitoring
Teacher’s Activity: Supervise pupils as they practice brushing their teeth (if materials are available).
pupils’ Activity: Practice brushing their teeth.
Step 5: note-Taking
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Note-taking
Teacher’s Activity: Guide pupils in taking notes on the causes and prevention of tooth decay.
Pupils’ Activity: Take notes.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: Ask evaluation questions.
Pupils’ activity: Answer the evaluation questions.
Objective-aligned checks:
- Identify at least two causes of tooth decay.
- Explain at least three ways to prevent tooth decay.
- Demonstrate proper teeth brushing techniques.
Step 7: conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarizing
Teacher’s Activity: Summarize the key points about oral hygiene and encourage pupils to practice good oral hygiene habits daily.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen attentively and ask questions.
Lesson Keywords
- Tooth Decay – Damage to the tooth enamel caused by bacteria.
- Enamel – The hard outer layer of the teeth.
- Oral hygiene – Practices for keeping the mouth and teeth clean.
- Plaque – A sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth.
- Fluoride – A mineral that strengthens tooth enamel.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Why is it important to brush our teeth?
- Name two things that cause tooth decay.
- How can we keep our teeth healthy?
- Give examples of foods and drinks that can harm our teeth.
- Why should we visit the dentist?
Assignment/Homework
- Brush your teeth properly tonight and tomorrow morning.
- List three ways to prevent tooth decay.
- Ask your parents to help you identify sugary foods to avoid.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Provide one-on-one assistance and simplified explanations.
- For advanced learners: Encourage them to research additional information about oral hygiene and present their findings.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use visual aids, verbal instructions, and hands-on activities to cater to different learning styles.
Note for Teachers
Ensure to use visual aids and real-life examples to make the lesson engaging.Emphasize the importance of regular dental check-ups and proper brushing techniques.

Community Join the conversation Open discussion +