Looking after your teeth now and in the future is important to protect against tooth decay, bad smelling breath, stained teeth, tooth loss and gum disease. Take this quiz to test your knowledge of oral health.
Your dentist or hygienist may have given you advice that differs from the below. Ensure you follow their advice as this will be best suited to your needs. If you have problems with your teeth between check-ups, contact your dental surgery to make an appointment. In an emergency outside normal working hours, contact your surgery on its usual number and you will be told how to access emergency dental care.
true or false
A dental check up is free for people under the age of 18 through the NHS.
TRUE
FALSE
True! Dental check-ups are free for people under the age of 18 through the NHS. A check-up allows your dentist to see if you have any dental problems and helps you keep your mouth healthy. Your dentist will suggest when you should have your next check-up based on how good your oral health is.
This is actually true! Dental check-ups are free for people under the age of 18 through the NHS. A check-up allows your dentist to see if you have any dental problems and helps you keep your mouth healthy. Your dentist will suggest when you should have your next check-up based on how good your oral health is.
true or false
You should floss before brushing your teeth.
TRUE
FALSE
True! Flossing before brushing has been proven to be more effective at removing plaque between teeth. The NHS website has lots of information about how to floss your teeth.
This is actually true! Flossing before brushing has been proven to be more effective at removing plaque between teeth. The NHS website has lots of information about how to floss your teeth.
true or false
You should rinse with water straight after brushing.
TRUE
FALSE
This is false! Rinsing with water straight after toothbrushing washes away the concentrated fluoride on your teeth. This reduces the preventative effects of the fluoride.
False! Rinsing with water straight after toothbrushing washes away the concentrated fluoride on your teeth. This reduces the preventative effects of the fluoride.
true or false
Toothpaste should contain fluoride.
TRUE
FALSE
True! Toothpaste should contain between 1350 – 1500ppm fluoride for children over the age of 3. Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
This is actually true! Toothpaste should contain between 1350 – 1500ppm fluoride for children over the age of 3. Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
true or false
You should brush your teeth twice a day.
TRUE
FALSE
True! Brush your teeth for about 2 minutes last thing before you go to bed and on one other occasion every day.
This is true. Brush your teeth for about 2 minutes last thing before you go to bed and on one other occasion every day.
true or false
Sugar causes cavities.
TRUE
FALSE
It's actually False! Cavities are small holes in your teeth. Eating or drinking lots of sugar increases your risk of developing cavities, but the sugar is not solely to blame. The bacteria in your mouth utilise the sugar as food, producing acid. This acid slowly dissolves the enamel creating cavities. Trying to reduce the frequency and amount of sugar we consume can reduce our risk of tooth decay. The Healthier Families website has lots of information on eating a healthy, balanced diet.
False! Cavities are small holes in your teeth. Eating or drinking lots of sugar increases your risk of developing cavities, but the sugar is not solely to blame. The bacteria in your mouth utilise the sugar as food, producing acid. This acid slowly dissolves the enamel creating cavities. Trying to reduce the frequency and amount of sugar we consume can reduce our risk of tooth decay. The Healthier Families website has lots of information on eating a healthy, balanced diet.
