While most of us, let’s hope, have been brushing and flossing since our permanent teeth have erupted, many of us don’t realize that we are not doing it properly. Many of us pride ourselves on our oral hygiene habits, but are you sure you’re doing things right? Let’s find out. Take our oral hygiene quiz below.
True Or False Quiz
- True or False: You should brush your teeth at least twice a day.
- True or False: You should floss once a day.
- True or False: You should use mouthwash every time you brush.
- True or False: You only need to brush your teeth for 30 seconds at a time.
Answers:
- True: Because bacterial plaque forms on your teeth all day long, and it can harden into tartar (which can only be removed via a professional cleaning) in under 24 hours, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth twice a day. Brushing less can lead to cavities, brushing four or more can lead to enamel wear. Brushing twice will remove the plaque before it hardens into tartar.
- True: According to the ADA, to remove bacterial plaque from between your teeth and from between your teeth and gums, you should floss once daily.
- False: It’s okay to use mouthwash once a day, but more than that is not good for your oral health. Most mouthwash contains alcohol which cannot discriminate between good and bad bacteria. Good bacteria are needed to keep bad bacteria in check. However, mouthwash that contains alcohol kills both the good and the bad bacteria and also dries out your oral tissues.
- False: The ADA recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes, and most adults do not come close to brushing for that amount of time. For best results, use a fluoride toothpaste; brush for at least two minutes; brush first thing in the morning and before bed.
