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Minerals

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Brushing Up on Healthy Teeth

Keeping your teeth healthy sounds simple: Brush twice a day, floss once a day and see your dentist twice a year. The trouble is, simple as that sounds, you may need to know more. It's not that dental health is hard—it's easy. But give this true-false quiz a try to see just how much you know about keeping your teeth their brightest, whitest, and healthiest.

1. You must brush and floss your teeth after every meal to prevent gum disease and cavities.
2. Brushing your teeth with an up-and-down is always the best way to clean your teeth.
3. You can floss your teeth by simply putting the floss between your teeth and pulling it through.
4. Electric toothbrushes clean your teeth better than manual brushes.
5. Dental plaque is nothing to be concerned about.
6. You should always use a dental rinse along with brushing and flossing to remove plaque.
7. Toothpastes that contain baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can help reduce plaque acids made by plaque bacteria.
8. You should see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
9. If your parents lost all their teeth to tooth decay or gum disease, you will too.
Online Medical Reviewer: Kapner, Michael, DDS
Online Medical Reviewer: Watson, L Renee, MSN, RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Wojcik, Stacey, MBA, BSN
Date Last Reviewed: 5/1/2023
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.