Excellent brushing and flossing are the foundation for healthy, sparkling teeth. But are you sure you really know the basics of proper brushing technique and how to floss your teeth correctly?
Test your brushing and flossing knowledge with this quick and fun oral health quiz from the team at Naperville Dental Specialists. Compare your answers to the answers at the end and find out if you’re a dental beginner, novice, or teeth-knowledge ace!
1. How often should you brush your teeth?
a) Once a day
b) Twice a day
c) After every meal
d) Once a week
2. At what angle should you hold your toothbrush against your gums?
a) 90 degrees
b) 45 degrees
c) Straight on
d) 30 degrees
3. When flossing, what shape should you form around each tooth for proper flossing technique?
a) O shape
b) S shape
c) C shape
d) L shape
4. How long should you brush your teeth each time?
a) 1 minute
b) 2 minutes
c) 30 seconds
d) 5 minutes
5. Should you brush or floss first?
a) Floss, then brush
b) Brush, then floss
c) Use mouthwash, then floss
d) Doesn’t matter!
6. How often should you change your toothbrush or toothbrush head in your oral hygiene routine?
a) Every month
b) Every 3-4 months
c) Once a year
d) When the bristles fall out
7. Which part of the mouth should not be missed while brushing?
a) The tongue
b) The roof of the mouth
c) The inside surface of teeth
d) All of the above
8. What type of toothbrush bristles are generally recommended by dentists?
a) Hard
b) Medium
c) Soft
d) Extra soft
9. How much toothpaste should kids and adults use?
a) The size of a pea
b) The size of a grape
c) A full brush length
d) Just a dab
10. What’s the main benefit of flossing?
a) Whiten teeth
b) Freshen breath
c) Remove plaque and food particles between teeth
d) Strengthen the gums
11. Should you brush before or after your morning coffee?
a) Before
b) Right after
c) No need, brushing is only for after you eat
d) Flossing is preferred after coffee
12. What’s the best way to store a toothbrush?
a) On its side in a drawer
b) With a cover on the bristles
c) Upright and uncovered so it can air dry
d) Bristles down in a cup or container
13. In your oral hygiene routine, what is the best way to brush your tongue?
a) Proper brushing technique is with firm strokes
b) Brush with the back of your toothbrush
c) No need to brush your tongue
d) Brush gently
14. Fluoride in your toothpaste is important because:
a) It freshens your breath
b) It scrubs away the plaque
c) It strengthens your tooth enamel
d) It helps boost proper flossing technique by making your teeth smoother
15. Why include mouthwash in your oral hygiene routine?
a) Mouthwash can get rid of oral bacteria in places a toothbrush can’t reach
b) Some have ingredients that can whiten teeth
c) Some have anti-inflammatory properties
d) All the above
Add up your answers. If you got:
1-5 questions right: consider yourself a dental beginner with room to grow!
6-12 questions right: you’re on your way to oral care ace!
13-15 questions right: pat yourself on the back — your teeth knowledge is top-notch!
Have any questions about your oral hygiene routine that wasn’t answered here? Founding dentist, Dr. Anthony LaVacca, and your Naperville, IL, dental care experts can answer all your dental questions and cover all your oral health needs. Make an appointment with our award-winning team today!
Answers:
1 b) Twice a day; 2. b) 45 degrees; 3. c) C shape; 4. b) 2 minutes; 5. a) Floss, then brush; 6. b) Every 3-4 months; 7. d) All of the above; 8. c) Soft; 9. a) The size of a pea; 10. c) Removing plaque and food particles between teeth; 11. a) Before; 12. c) Upright and uncovered so it can air dry; 13. d) Brush gently; 14. c) It strengthens your tooth enamel; 15. d) All of the above
