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Mouth Facts & Worksheets

Mouth or oral cavity is an oval-shaped opening in the skull that allows for the intake of food and air into the body.

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In human anatomy, the mouth, also known as the oral cavity or the buccal cavity, is an oval-shaped opening in the skull that serves as a passageway through which food and air enter the human body.

See the fact file below for more information on the Mouth, or you can download our 29-page Mouth worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

DEFINITION

  • When it comes to digestion, it all starts in the mouth. The mouth is the gate that allows humans to begin the process of energy absorption known as digestion. 
  • However, the mouth serves other purposes as well. In addition to its other functions, the mouth is also necessary for human speech. 
  • When we speak, we can control the airflow through our mouth by repositioning our teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue, resulting in different sounds and word formation.
  • The ability to make facial expressions, one of which is smiling, is another function of the mouth. Facial expressions play a significant role in behavioral communication in humans. 
  • The facial muscles move the lips and cheeks to smile and create other expressions like kissing, laughing, frowning, or showing teeth.

PARTS OF THE MOUTH

  • Tongue – The tongue is one of the strongest muscles in the human body and is also the only muscle with only one end attached. Apart from its primary role in the intake and initial digestion of food, it is essential in humans for speech.
  • Teeth – Teeth are responsible for breaking down the foods that humans eat. Enamel, the toughest substance in our bodies, forms the outer layer of teeth.
  • Because the rest of the tooth grows beneath the gum line, only about a third is visible. Teeth have nerves and blood vessels of their own.
  • Uvula – The function of the uvula, known by some as the “hanging thing,” is to assist the flow of food and water through the esophagus. It initiates the gag reflex and helps prevent food and liquid from going up your nose when you swallow. It is thought the uvula may cause snoring and sleep apnea.
  • Saliva – Saliva is one of the first substances used by the body to break down food for digestion. It also serves as a lubricant when food moves through the esophagus. It is also required for a human to be able to taste food.
  • Lips and cheeks – The lips and cheeks are a dynamic duo of powerful muscles. The lips form the border of a human mouth.
  • Because the skin around a human’s lips is much thinner, they are a different color than the rest of the face. Buccal mucosa, on the other hand, forms the inner lining of the mouth.
  • TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) – The temporomandibular joints allow a person to open and close their mouth and move their lower jaw forward and side to side. Furthermore, these two joints also aid a person’s ability to speak, chew, and swallow.
  • Tonsils – These are two small masses of lymphoid tissue in the throat, found on each side of the root of the tongue. Their function is to stop germs from entering the body through the mouth or the nose.
  • Palates – The hard and soft palates in your mouth play essential roles in swallowing, breathing, and speech. It also separates the oral from the nasal cavity.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR MOUTH

  • Mouth care is extremely important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Keeping one’s mouth healthy allows one to eat well, which reduces nutritional deficiencies in the body.
  • To remove dental plaque, brush your teeth extensively twice a day and floss daily between the teeth.
  • It is also advisable to drink fluoridated water and use fluoride toothpaste. It is not enough to care for an individual’s teeth and gums at home.
  • Even the best toothbrush can only do so much, so it would be advisable to see one’s dentist or hygienist regularly for cleanings and checkups. A dental hygienist uses specialized cleaning equipment to remove tartar-hardened plaque. 

COMMON MOUTH DISEASES

  • Oral candidiasis – is an infection that usually occurs when the body’s defenses weaken and the immune system is unable to control these fungi. 
  • Oral candidiasis can also be caused by steroids, diabetes, antibiotics, or poorly fitting dentures. It is most common in newborns and is simple to treat in these cases.
  • Gingivitis – is a type of oral disease that causes inflammation, redness, and tenderness of the gums caused by the bacteria that form dental plaque if oral hygiene is not followed.
  • Halitosis – also known as bad breath, is characterized by an unpleasant smell that emanates from the mouth and causes social problems. It is commonly associated with poor hygiene and oral diseases, but it can also indicate other pathologies.
  • Periodontal disease – is a more advanced form of gingivitis. When the gums and bones that support the teeth become infected, they can become inflamed and red.
  • They also begin to pull away from the structure of the bones and teeth. When this happens, the teeth may become loose or fall out.
  • Bruxism – is the habit of tightening or grinding the teeth unconsciously. It is more common at night when controlling the impulse is difficult. 
  • Although some people do not exhibit symptoms, many people with bruxism exhibit problems with jaw articulation and tooth wear. Earaches, headaches, or jaw pain are also possible.
  • Oral cancer – This type of cancer most commonly affects the lips and tongue, but it can also affect the inside of the cheeks, gums, the floor of the mouth, or the palate. Cancer is known to spread quickly. 
  • Tobacco and alcohol are thought to be the primary causes of mouth cancer, but other factors such as chronic rubbing with prostheses, human papillomavirus, immunosuppressive drugs, and poor dental hygiene are also possible causes.

ILLNESSES AFFECTING THE MOUTH

  • Oral herpes disease is a type of infection caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) that manifests itself in the mouth, lips, or gums. 
  • It is distinguished by the formation of small painful blisters, commonly referred to as fever blisters. Once infected, the virus is rendered inactive but may reappear at any time.
  • Oral hairy leukoplakia is a condition caused by the Epstein-Barr virus that appears, particularly in people with HIV/AIDS, and is one of the first symptoms of this disease. 
  • It has also been observed in individuals who do not have AIDS but have an impaired immune system, such as those who have recently obtained a bone marrow transplant.
  • Syphilis – is a sexually transmitted infection that can be contracted and spread through sexual contact with someone infected with the disease. 
  • The symptoms vary according to the stage. It usually begins as a small, painless sore, followed by a bumpy rash on the body, typically the hands or soles of the feet or palms. Other flu-like symptoms include muscle aches, fever, sore throat, and fatigue.
  • Hare’s lip is a congenital defect that develops when the lip does not develop properly during the initial months of pregnancy in the mother’s womb. It consists of an upper lip opening that may occasionally reach the nose. It is frequently associated with a cleft palate.

Mouth Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Mouth across 29 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the Mouth or oral cavity, an oval-shaped opening in the skull that allows for the intake of food and air into the body.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  • Mouth Facts
  • My Beautiful Smile
  • Parts of the Mouth
  • Functions of my Mouth
  • Common Mouth Problems
  • Oral Health Poem
  • What the Mouth Speaks
  • Guess the Idiom
  • World Oral Health Day
  • Oral Crossword
  • Animal Mouths

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main parts of the human mouth?

The main parts of the human mouth include teeth, gums, tongue, lips, and salivary glands.

What is salvia and why is it important?

Saliva is a fluid secreted by glands in the mouth that serves to break down food for digestion and protect against microbes. It also aids in releasing flavor from food.

How often should I brush and floss my teeth?

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day (after breakfast and before bed) and floss daily to maintain your oral health.

What is the function of the tongue?

The tongue helps with speaking, swallowing and tasting food. It also plays a role in keeping the teeth clean and free of bacteria by pushing better around the gums.

Why is oral health important?

Oral health is important for overall health and well-being as it affects our quality of life, bodily functions, and abilities to perform daily activities such as speaking, eating, and drinking without pain or discomfort. Additionally, poor oral hygiene can lead to serious issues such as gum disease and tooth decay.

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Link will appear as Mouth Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, January 26, 2023

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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