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Dental health quiz

Answers

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

The best answer is B.

A small-headed toothbrush will help you brush into all the difficult to reach areas of your mouth. Hard bristles may eventually damage your teeth if you brush too hard. If you brush your teeth properly, there is no need for an electric toothbrush, although many people prefer them.

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

The right answer is B - water.

Juice, fizzy drinks and squashes - even the sugar-free varieties - are acidic and can wear away the surfaces of the teeth. This is called erosion. These drinks are so popular that nearly half of children in the UK have some dental erosion by the age of six. Plain water is not acidic and doesn't cause erosion.

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

The closest answer is D.

People with good oral health may only need to go to the dentist every 12-24 months, while people who have experienced problems with their teeth will need to go for a dental check up more often.

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

The right answer is C - yawning widely.

Various things can cause jaw pain, clicking, stiffness or spasm. Usually your dentist will be able to advise you on simple treatments to help relieve your symptoms.

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

The right answer is A.

As soon as your baby has teeth, you should start to clean them. Initially it may be easier to use a piece of clean flannel or cloth wrapped round your forefinger.

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

The right answer is D.

There are a range of simple treatments for whitening teeth. However, some products may not be suitable for you, such as if you have gum disease or crowns. Also, teeth whitening is not recommended for women who are pregnant or are breast-feeding. Speak to your dentist about which options are best 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

The right answer is D.

Most people in the UK have some form of gum disease, which attacks the gums, making them red and puffy. This can lead to problems if left untreated. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and dental checks can help to minimise the impact of gum disease.

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

The right answer is D.

Regular flossing helps to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth and under the gumline. Your gums may bleed a bit to begin with, but this should reduce as your oral health improves.

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

The most likely answer is A.

Fluoride toothpaste has hugely improved oral health and reduced tooth decay across the world. The fluoridation of the mains water supply reduces tooth decay still further in areas where fluoride is not present naturally.

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

The right answer is B.

It is better to eat sugary foods along with a meal to minimise the risk tooth decay. Snacking on sugary treats between meals is worst for teeth. However, a high-sugar diet is never great for teeth so you should try to cut down your intake of sugary foods.