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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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
