Definition: A hard, calcareous structure present in the mouth of many vertebrate animals, generally used for eating.
Alright class, settle down and let’s take a look!
That’s a very good definition from the dictionary – it’s quite precise, you see. Let's break that down with a little rhyme for clarity:
“Tooth,” you ask, what does it mean?
A bony tool, a chomping scene!
It’s hard and white, a sturdy grace,
Used for chewing in this place.
Think of your teeth, so neat and bright,
Helping you bite with all your might!
They tear and grind, they crunch and chew,
Making food delicious, just for you!
Essentially, it's a hard, mineral-rich structure – calcium carbonate is what makes them strong - that’s used to break down our food. It's a vital part of how many animals eat and survive.
Do you have any questions about teeth? Perhaps you want to know
how
they grow, or why we need to brush them twice a day?