How much do you know about proper oral hygiene practices?
Maintaining the health of your teeth and gums is essential for enjoying a bright, beautiful smile. At home oral hygiene and six-month dental checks up are the best preventative measures against oral disease or dental concerns. But how much do you know about proper oral hygiene habits? You may be surprised at how much you can still learn about caring for your smile.
Take The Oral Hygiene Quiz
Take our True or False? Oral Hygiene Quiz to test your knowledge about your oral health!
T or F: Vigorously brushing your teeth after every meal prevents the build-up of plaque and tartar and reduces your risk of tooth decay.
T or F: It is normal if my gums bleed while flossing.
T or F: I should floss at least once a day.
T or F: You should visit the dentist at least once a year.
T or F: A diet high in sugar causes tooth decay.
Answers to Oral Hygiene Quiz
- False! It is better to gently brush all surfaces of your teeth for a full two minutes to remove food debris after eating. If you can not brush after each meal, consider an anti-bacterial mouthwash or drink a full glass of water once finished with your meal. Brushing too vigorously can cause the gums to become irritated or bleed and may eventually lead to gum recession.
- False! Bleeding gums are commonly a symptom of gum disease. If your gums bleed while brushing or flossing your teeth properly, be sure to notify Dr. Hassan during your next routine dental exam. Gum disease can affect children and adult patients and is easier controlled when diagnosed early on. Early intervention for gum disease can prevent a whole range of secondary dental and systemic health issues.
- True! Recent studies show that flossing at least once a day can help reduce a patient’s risk of developing tooth decay. Floss reaches surfaces of the teeth that the toothbrush can not access.
- False! While diets high in sugar tend to lead to higher rates of tooth decay, it does not cause cavities. Tooth decay is caused by enamel erosion brought on by the acidic byproduct left behind by bacteria. Bacteria feed on plaque and tartar and spread throughout the mouth. Caught early, tooth decay can be conservatively removed and treated using a dental filling. Once the acidic byproduct compromises the enamel, the tooth becomes susceptible to infection and may require more advanced treatment such as a root canal or extraction.
Manassas Smiles services patients of all ages with comprehensive dental care with a focus on disease prevention and patient education. Our dental care team works to teach our patients how to better care for their teeth and gums so that they can maintain their naturally beautiful smile.
To schedule a personalized dental consultation with Dr. Hassan, contact our Manassas, VA dentist office at (703) 335-1020 or use our online form to request your next dental health exam.
