Test your Dental Hygiene IQ

Do you know what causes tooth decay and how often your toothbrush should be replaced? Give our Dental Hygiene quiz a go, and learn something new (or refresh your knowledge) along the way.

Child getting dental care | Newmarket Family Dentist

1. What causes tooth decay?

  1. Acid
  2. Age
  3. Cavities
  4. Caffeine

2. A child should be seen by a dentist by what age?

  1. 7 years old
  2. 5 years old
  3. 3 years old
  4. 1 year old

3. Halitosis is the medical term for __________________.

  1. Black hairy tongue
  2. Bad breath
  3. Dental x-rays | Newmarket Family DentistPlaque buildup
  4. All of the above

4. The best way to prevent gum (periodontal) disease is to…

  1. Remove plaque
  2. Use fluoride toothpaste

5. Poor dental health is linked to many serious diseases and conditions.

  1. True
  2. False

6. Tooth loss is an inevitable part of aging.

  1. True
  2. False

7. Black hairy tongue is a deadly oral disease.

  1. True
  2. False

8. Oral cancer that is caught early is treatable and curable.

  1. True
  2. False

Gum Disease Prevention | Newmarket Family Dentist

9. Toothbrushes should be replaced every ________________.

  1. 2-3 months
  2. 4-6 months

10. Which of the following usually precede(s) gum disease (periodontal disease)?

  1. Gingivitis
  2. Pyorrhoea
  3. Denture
  4. Loose teeth

Answers:

1. What causes tooth decay?

Answer: Acid

Explanation:

Tooth decay occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) are left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth digest these foods, turning them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth, creating holes in the teeth called cavities, or dental caries.

2. A child should be seen by a dentist by what age?

Answer: 1 year old

Explanation:

It is generally recommended that an infant be seen by a dentist by 1 year of age or within 6 months after the first tooth comes in.

Halitosis | Newmarket Family Dentist3.Halitosis is the medical term for __________________.

Answer: Bad breath

Explanation:

Bad breath, medically called halitosis, can result from poor dental hygiene and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits.

4. The best way to prevent gum (periodontal) disease is to…

Answer: Remove plaque

Explanation:

Gum disease can be prevented by removing plaque. Plaque removal can be easily accomplished by thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth daily. Regular dental check-ups (every 6-12 months) can detect early signs of gum disease.

If you have concerns regarding gum disease contact NFDC for a comprehensive gum assessment.

5. Poor dental health is linked to many serious diseases and conditions.

Answer: true

Explanation:

Some studies have linked common oral problems to illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, premature birth, osteoporosis, and even Alzheimer’s disease. In most cases, the strength and exact nature of the link is unclear, but researchers suggest that dental health is important for preserving overall health.

Gum Disease Prevention  | Newmarket Family Dentist

6. Tooth loss is an inevitable part of ageing.

Answer: False

Explanation:

“Although tooth loss is common, it’s not an inevitable part of aging,” says Richard H. Price, DDS, a retired dentist in Newton, Mass., and spokesman for the American Dental Association. “Teeth do not die a natural death — we kill them. Exactly how do we do that? In short, by disease or trauma,” he says.

7. Black hairy tongue is a deadly oral disease.

Answer: False

Explanation:

The name — black hairy tongue — may sound scary, but the condition is actually harmless. Black hairy tongue is caused by bacteria or fungi in the mouth, which make the tongue appear black and hairy. It’s easily remedied by good old-fashioned oral hygiene.

8. Oral cancer that is caught early is treatable and curable.

Answer: True

Explanation:

Oral cancer presents as a mouth sore that doesn’t go away and can be accompanied by unexplained numbness in the face, mouth, or neck. There may be problems chewing, speaking, or swallowing. Don’t let fear keep you from the doctor — oral cancer that is caught early is treatable and curable.

Be sure to ask about our oral cancer screening here.

9. Toothbrushes should be replaced every ________________.

Answer: 2-3 months

Explanation:

The American Dental Association recommends throwing out your toothbrush every three to four months. If the bristles become frayed, you’re sick, or you have a weak immune system, throw it out even more often. If you use an electric toothbrush, throw out the head as often as you’d discard a disposable toothbrush.

10. Which of the following usually precede(s) gum disease (periodontal disease)?

Answer: Gingivitis

Explanation:

Gingivitis (gum inflammation) usually precedes periodontitis (gum disease). In the early stage of gingivitis, bacteria in plaque buildup causes the gums to become inflamed (red and swollen) and often easily bleed during tooth brushing. Although the gums may be irritated, the teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets. No irreversible bone or other tissue damage has occurred at this stage.


Score:

Give yourself one point for every correct answer.

1 – 3 Points: Hmm there might be a little bit of revising to be done here! Take a look over the explanations in our answers section to ensure you are increasing your knowledge and understanding of oral and dental hygiene and healthcare.

4 – 7 Points: You are well on your way to having an excellent Dental Hygiene IQ! Be sure to have a read over some of the explanations in the answers section to ensure you are doing everything you can for your oral healthcare.

8 – 10 Points: Congratulations, your Dental Hygiene IQ is top notch – your dental practitioner will be grateful!