Dental health quiz

How much do you really know about your teeth and looking after them? Try the following quiz and find out.

1) Which is the most important when it comes to choosing a toothbrush?

1. a big head to cover all the areas of your mouth
2. a small head to get into all the difficult to reach places in your mouth
3. hard bristles to scrub off the food
4. it doesn't matter as long as it is electric rather than manual

2) Which of the following drinks is the least likely to wear away your teeth?

1. diet cola
2. water
3. sugar-free squash
4. fresh fruit juice

3) How often should you go for a dental check up?

1. at least every three months
2. at least every six months
3. only when you have toothache
4. it depends on whether you have good oral health or not

4) If you have an aching jaw, which of the following should you avoid?

1. soft food
2. over-the-counter painkillers
3. yawning widely
4. your dentist

5) When should you first start to clean a child's teeth?

1. as soon as a baby's very first teeth appear
2. once a child is about two years old and is completely on solid foods
3. at about five years old once children are old enough to brush their own teeth
4. only after their milk teeth have gone and their adult teeth have come through

6) Which of these statements is true about whitening your teeth to improve your appearance?

1. there are never any side-effects to whitening teeth
2. professional teeth whitening requires a general anaesthetic
3. once completed, the effect of teeth whitening is permanent
4. professional whitening can brighten your teeth, but it is best to discuss the procedure with a dentist as it may not be suitable for you

7) How many people in Britain have some form of gum disease?

1. about one in 50
2. about one in 20
3. about one in 10
4. most people

8) What is the truth about flossing?

1. flossing is bad for your teeth
2. it is OK to floss, but you should stop immediately if your gums start bleeding
3. flossing is fine if it makes your mouth feel fresher but doesn't improve oral health
4. regular flossing is an important part of your dental health routine and you shouldn't worry if your gums bleed a bit

9) Does fluoride in toothpaste make any difference to the health of your teeth?

1. the fluoridation of toothpaste has hugely improved oral health
2. no, it makes no difference at all, and fluoride is now being phased out because it isn't safe
3. it isn't dangerous, but a herbal toothpaste without fluoride is just as effective
4. nobody really knows because there haven't been many studies into the area

10) If you do want to enjoy a sugary treat, when is the most 'tooth-friendly' time to eat it?

1. first thing in the morning or last thing at night
2. along with a meal
3. as a snack on its own
4. it doesn't make any difference