The American Dental Association recently surveyed Americans in its first oral health quiz. You would be surprised at how much Americans are mistaken about dental health care. Test yourself here and see if you beat the average American.
1. You should floss twice a week.
True or False
2. You should brush after every meal.
True or False
3. You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
True or False
4. Take your child to the dentist for the first time no later than his or her first birthday.
True or False
5. Cavities are not caused by sugar.
True or False
Answers:
1. False: If you answered True, you are like 53% of respondents who think you should floss twice a week. But really you should floss DAILY because tooth brushing doesn’t clean between the teeth, so germs can remain and result in cavities or gum disease.
2. False: If you answered True, you are like 90% of survey takers who think you should brush after every meal. But really you should only brush twice a day. If you brush too much you can wear down tooth enamel and weaken teeth.
3. True: If you answered False, you are like 65% of respondents who think you should replace your toothbrush only twice a year. But really you should do it 3-4 months or when the bristles start to fray.
4. True: If you answered False, you are like 75% of survey takers who have no idea when to take their child to the dentist. You should take them once their first tooth comes in, so the dentist can make sure they are coming in correctly and your child can get used to the dentist.
5. True: If you answered False, you are like 81% of respondents who think cavities are caused by sugar. Really it is the bacteria in the mouth that feeds on sugar when it arrives and produces acid that attacks enamel and weakens it, resulting in cavities.
If you didn’t get a 100% on your pop quiz, you should stop by the Lakeway Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, and we will be glad to teach you more about oral health care and how to take care of your teeth.