Say ahhh: what do you know about teeth?

Take this quick quiz to find out what you know about dental care.

a) once a day
b) twice a day
c) each time you eat
d) when you don't have mouthwash
e) none of the above

2. Gum disease caused by bacteria is the most common cause of gum disease. What is the next most common cause of gum disease?

a) smoking cigarettes
b) self-inflicted brushing trauma
c) gum chewing
d) junk food
e) none of the above

3. How many permanent teeth do adults have?

a) 22
b) 28
c) 32
d) 36
e) 38

4. This sugar can cause tooth decay:

a) sucrose
b) dextrose
c) fructose
d) lactose
e) all of the above

5. This substance can make teeth, particularly enamel, more resistant to the acid that can cause cavities:

a) tartar
b) fluoride
c) crowns
d) dentin
e) all of the above

6. A toothache may result from:

a) a cavity
b) an abcess
c) an inflammation of the gum around the root of a tooth
d) sinus inflammation
e) all of the above

7. Bad breath can be caused by:

a) eating foods like onions and garlic
b) improper brushing and flossing
c) liver failure
d) kidney failure
e) all of the above

Answers:

1. Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day.
2. Gum disease caused by bacteria is the most common cause of gum disease. Self-inflicted brushing trauma is the next most common cause of gum disease.
3. Adults have 32 permanent teeth.
4. Sucrose, dextrose, fructose, and lactose can all cause tooth decay.
5. Fluoride can make teeth, particularly enamel, more resistant to the acid that can cause cavities.
6. A toothache may result from a cavity, an abcess, an inflammation of the gum around the root of a tooth, or sinus inflammation.
7. Bad breath can be caused by eating foods like onions and garlic, improper brushing and flossing, liver failure, and kidney failure.