About the Lesson
Pam Ayres’ poem “Oh, I Wish I’d Looked After Me Teeth” captures the bittersweet journey from carefree childhood indulgence to the stark realities of adulthood. Through a blend of humor and nostalgia, Ayres reflects on her past choices regarding dental care, weaving a relatable narrative that resonates with readers of all ages. The poem showcases the speaker's regrets over her youthful neglect of oral hygiene, vividly illustrated by her fond memories of sweets and the inevitable consequences that followed. With its colloquial language and playful tone, Ayres effectively conveys a timeless message about the importance of self-care, making the poem both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Text /Summary/Critical Analysis
Oh, I Wish I'd Looked After Me Teeth
…by Pam Ayres
1 Oh, I wish I’d looked after me teeth,
And spotted the perils beneath.
All the toffees I chewed,
And the sweet sticky food,
5 Oh, I wish I’d looked after me teeth.
I wish I’d been that much more willin’
When I had more tooth there than fillin’
To pass up gobstoppers.
From respect to me choppers,
10 And to buy something else with me shillin’.
When I think of the lollies I licked,
And the liquorice all sorts I picked,
Sherbet dabs, big and little,
All that hard peanut brittle,
15 My conscience gets horribly pricked.
My mother, she told me no end.
‘If you got a tooth, you got a friend.’
I was young then, and careless,
My toothbrush was hairless,
I never had much time to spend.
Oh, I showed them the toothpaste all right,
I flashed it about late at night,
But up-and-down brushin’
And pokin’ and fussin’
25 Didn’t seem worth the time-I could bite!
If I’d known, I was paving the way
To cavities, caps and decay,
The murder of fillin’s
Injections and drillin’s,
30 I’d have thrown all me sherbet away.
So I lay in the old dentist’s chair,
And I gaze up his nose in despair,
And his drill it do whine,
In these molars of mine.
35 “Two amalgum,” he’ll say, “for in there.”
How I laughed at my mother’s false teeth,
As they foamed in the waters beneath.
But now comes the reckonin’
It’s me they are beckonin’
40 Oh, I wish I’d looked after me teeth.
Summary
In “Oh, I Wish I’d Looked After Me Teeth,” Pam Ayres reflects on the regrets of neglecting dental care during her childhood. The poem expresses a humorous yet poignant lament for the carefree indulgence in sweets like toffees and gobstoppers, leading to dental problems in adulthood. The speaker recalls her mother’s wise advice, emphasizing the importance of looking after one’s teeth, which she dismissed in her youth. As she faces the consequences of her past choices—cavities, fillings, and visits to the dentist—she humorously acknowledges her earlier ignorance and carelessness. Ultimately, the poem serves as a cautionary tale, blending nostalgia with a light-hearted tone while highlighting the significance of dental hygiene.
Critical Analysis of “Oh, I Wish I’d Looked After Me Teeth” by Pam Ayres
Pam Ayres’ poem “Oh, I Wish I’d Looked After Me Teeth” captures the theme of regret through humor and nostalgia, exploring the consequences of neglecting dental care. The poem is written in a colloquial style, mirroring the everyday speech of the speaker and enhancing the relatability of the content. It resonates with readers of all ages, particularly those who may have faced similar dental woes in their youth.
Structure and Form
The poem consists of 40 lines divided into stanzas of varying lengths. Ayres employs a regular rhyming scheme (AA BB), which contributes to the poem’s musicality and makes it enjoyable to read aloud. The consistent rhythm adds to its conversational tone, making it feel as if the speaker is sharing a personal story rather than reciting a formal poem.
Language and Imagery
Ayres uses vivid imagery to evoke a sense of nostalgia for childhood sweets and treats. The references to “toffees,” “gobstoppers,” and “liquorice all sorts” paint a picture of a carefree youth indulging in sugary delights without consideration for the consequences. This imagery serves to highlight the contrast between the innocence of childhood and the harsh realities of adulthood, where dental issues arise as a result of earlier choices.
The use of colloquial language, such as “me teeth” and “didn’t seem worth the time-I could bite,” gives the poem an authentic voice. This informal diction invites readers to connect personally with the speaker’s experiences and regrets. The line “If you got a tooth, you got a friend” conveys a maternal wisdom that underlines the importance of caring for one’s teeth, presenting a familiar adage in a humorous context.
Themes
The primary theme of the poem is regret. The speaker reflects on her past negligence and the simple pleasures of childhood that led to her current dental problems. The repeated lament “Oh, I wish I’d looked after me teeth” emphasizes this regret, encapsulating a universal experience of realizing the consequences of one’s actions too late.
Additionally, the poem addresses the theme of neglect, particularly the neglect of self-care. The speaker’s youthful dismissal of her mother’s advice and her lack of diligence in brushing her teeth serve as a cautionary tale. The transition from a carefree childhood to the burdens of adulthood—symbolized by visits to the dentist and the need for fillings—serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of responsibility.
Tone and Mood
The poem maintains a light-hearted, humorous tone throughout, even as it addresses a serious subject. Ayres’ witty observations and playful language create an engaging mood, allowing readers to laugh while simultaneously reflecting on their own dental habits. The moments of self-deprecation, such as when the speaker recalls laughing at her mother’s false teeth, add a layer of relatability and charm.
However, there is an underlying melancholy as the speaker confronts the consequences of her past choices. The line “And I gaze up his nose in despair” reveals a sense of helplessness and frustration, juxtaposed with the humorous reminiscences of her youth. This blend of humor and melancholy enriches the poem, creating a balanced emotional landscape.
Conclusion
Pam Ayres’ “Oh, I Wish I’d Looked After Me Teeth” is a delightful yet cautionary poem that resonates with readers through its humorous exploration of regret and self-care. The effective use of colloquial language, vivid imagery, and a rhythmic structure invites reflection on the importance of dental hygiene and the inevitability of facing the consequences of neglect. Ayres successfully combines humor with poignant life lessons, making the poem both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Delve into Details
5. Answer the following questions.
a) “…But up-and-down brushin’
And pokin’ and fussin’
Didn’t seem worth the time-I could bite!”
What do these lines convey?
b) Why did the poet go to the dentist? How could she have avoided it?
c) “If you got a tooth, you got a friend”, what do you understand from the line?
d) With reference to the poem, how can you look after your teeth?
e) Give an appropriate proverb that conveys the message that this poem carries.
7. Read the following statement and imagine you are Jack.
“I can’t afford to, after what Jack’s done to his teeth.”
What is it, you think, you can not afford to do and why? Write a diary entry of
not less than 125 words.
(In-class activity; not to be set up as homework).
JUST THINK
8. In line 35, the poet has misspelt the word ‘amalgum’. Why do you think she has
done that? Discuss.
…………………………………………………………
Here are the responses and activities based on the poem "Oh, I Wish I'd Looked After Me Teeth" by Pam Ayres:
5. Answer the following questions:
a) "...But up-and-down brushin'And pokin' and fussin'Didn't seem worth the time-I could bite!"What do these lines convey?These lines convey the poet’s casual attitude toward dental care in her youth. She didn't consider brushing and cleaning her teeth important because her teeth seemed strong, and she could still bite into anything without pain or discomfort. The poet reflects on how she underestimated the long-term importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.
b) Why did the poet go to the dentist? How could she have avoided it?The poet went to the dentist because she had developed cavities and dental decay, needing fillings and other treatments due to her neglect. She could have avoided this situation by following proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing her teeth regularly, avoiding excessive consumption of sweets, and taking her mother’s advice seriously.
c) "If you got a tooth, you got a friend," what do you understand from the line?This line suggests that having healthy teeth is a valuable asset, like having a friend. Just as a good friend supports and helps you, strong teeth are essential for daily tasks such as eating and speaking. The poet’s mother is warning her that neglecting her teeth could lead to trouble, implying that one should take care of their teeth as they would care for a friend.
d) With reference to the poem, how can you look after your teeth?The poem highlights that proper dental care involves regular brushing, avoiding sugary snacks and toffees, and not taking your teeth for granted. It emphasizes that paying attention to oral hygiene from a young age can prevent future problems such as cavities and visits to the dentist for fillings or more serious treatments.
e) Give an appropriate proverb that conveys the message that this poem carries."Prevention is better than cure." This proverb perfectly conveys the message of the poem, stressing the importance of taking care of your teeth early on to avoid painful and costly dental treatments later.
7. Diary Entry (In-class activity):
Imagine you are Jack. Write a diary entry in response to the following statement:"I can't afford to, after what Jack’s done to his teeth."
Diary Entry:
October 4, 2024Dear Diary,
Today was a real wake-up call. I overheard someone saying, “I can’t afford to, after what Jack’s done to his teeth,” and I felt embarrassed. It’s true, I’ve neglected my teeth for too long, eating sweets and never really bothering with proper brushing. Now, I’ve got fillings and cavities to deal with. I’ve had to sit through the horrible sound of the dentist’s drill too many times to count. If only I had listened to my parents when they told me to brush properly and stay away from all the candy!
I can't afford to keep ignoring my dental care any longer. It’s not just about avoiding trips to the dentist—it's about keeping my teeth strong so I can enjoy eating and speaking without pain. I need to start taking responsibility. No more lollies or skipping brushing before bed. From now on, I’m going to make sure I take care of my teeth, so I don’t end up regretting it like Pam Ayres did in that poem.
Jack
8. Just Think:
In line 35, the poet has misspelled the word "amalgum." Why do you think she has done that? Discuss.The misspelling of "amalgum" is likely intentional to maintain the informal, conversational tone of the poem. Pam Ayres writes in a way that reflects everyday speech, using colloquial language and misspellings to create humor and make her poems more relatable. The misspelling also aligns with the poet’s playful approach to the subject, conveying a sense of light-heartedness even when addressing a serious topic like dental care.
Pam Ayres
Pam Ayres MBE: A Life of Poetry, Comedy, and Inspiration
Pam Ayres, born on 14 March 1947, is a British poet, comedian, songwriter, and a beloved television and radio presenter. Her distinctive style of witty, observational poetry has charmed audiences for decades. Ayres first shot to fame in 1975 with her memorable appearance on the television talent show Opportunity Knocks. From that moment on, she became a household name, entertaining millions with her sharp humour and relatable verses, even performing before the Queen.
Early Life
Pam Ayres was born in Stanford in the Vale, a village in Berkshire (now Oxfordshire). She was the youngest of six children in a close-knit family, with four elder brothers and a sister. Her father, Stanley Ayres, worked for the Southern Electricity Board after serving as a sergeant in the Grenadier Guards during World War II. Ayres describes her upbringing as a typical "country childhood," growing up in a row of modest council houses.
Leaving school at the age of 15, Pam began working for the Civil Service as a clerical assistant and later joined the Women's Royal Air Force (WRAF), where she trained as a Plotter Air Photographer. During her time in the WRAF, Ayres developed her love for poetry, gaining O-level passes in English language and literature. After leaving the WRAF, she worked various jobs, including a long stint at Smiths Industries in Witney, where her journey as a poet truly began. It was here that she started performing at a local folk club, which eventually led her to BBC Radio Oxford in 1974.
Her poem The Battery Hen was first broadcast on BBC Radio Oxford, quickly capturing the nation’s attention. This marked the start of Ayres' full-time career in poetry.
A Blossoming Career
Pam Ayres’ appearance on Opportunity Knocks in 1975 launched her into the spotlight, paving the way for numerous television and radio gigs. She published several collections of her poetry, many of which resonated deeply with her audience. One of her most famous works, Oh, I Wish I’d Looked After Me Teeth, was voted into the top 10 in a BBC poll of the UK’s favourite comic poems.
From 1996 onwards, Ayres became a regular on BBC Radio. Her programs included Pam Ayres' Open Road and Ayres on the Air, showcasing her talent for blending poetry and humour. In addition to her radio work, she has also made numerous television appearances, such as on Channel 4’s Countdown and the BBC’s QI.
In 2021, Ayres starred in The Cotswolds with Pam Ayres on Channel 5, a show that explored the beauty and history of the Cotswolds, with each episode ending with Pam reciting a short, uplifting verse. This popular series was later expanded to The Cotswolds and Beyond with Pam Ayres.
Pam Ayres has performed at the prestigious Glastonbury Festival multiple times, most recently in 2024, a testament to her enduring popularity and appeal to audiences of all ages.
Personal Life and Legacy
Pam Ayres has been married to theatre producer Dudley Russell for many years, and together they have two sons, William and James. The family resides in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, where they maintain a smallholding of rare breeds of livestock. Pam is also a dedicated gardener and beekeeper, passions she shares with her audiences through her poetry and public appearances.
Her influence on the literary world cannot be overstated. Ayres’ simple yet poignant poetry, often touching on the mundanities of life, has made her one of the UK’s best-selling poets. Her work remains as fresh and relevant today as it was when she first started, inspiring both established and emerging poets alike.
Pam Ayres was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2004 for her services to literature and entertainment—a well-deserved recognition for a woman who has brought laughter and joy to so many.
Pam Ayres is not just a poet—she’s a national treasure, a humourist who has shaped British culture with her wit, warmth, and unique storytelling style.
