Flossing
How many times per day is it recommended you floss your teeth?
1-2 times a day
How many times per year is it recommended that you visit the dentist for a cleaning?
2 times per year or more as recommended by your dentist
How many times per day is it recommended that you brush your teeth?
2-3 times a day
How often is it recommended you visit your primary care provider?
Once a year
When is it recommended that you use mouth rinse: before or after brushing and flossing?
Name 2 things you can use to floss/clean between your teeth...
string floss, floss picks, waterpiks, floss threaders, proxy brushes/interdental brushes, floss holders, toothpick in holder, etc.
Which gives off more radiation: taking 4 dental x-rays or 1 medical x-ray of your skull
higher: x-ray of your skull (0.07)
lower: 4 dental x-rays (less than 0.04)
How long is it recommended you brush your teeth for?
2 minutes
One of the most common side effects of most medications is dry mouth. Name 2 ways you can manage dry mouth.
drink water frequently, suck on sugar-free candies or ice, chew sugar-free gum, talk with your doctor about reducing the number or strength of your meds, talk with you doctor about saliva substitutes
True or False: All types of chewing gum are good for your teeth and help prevent cavities because they clear leftover food away from your teeth.
False! Only sugar-free gum or gum with artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, has this benefit
After beginning to floss after many years of not flossing, Addison notices that her gums are bleeding. What should she do?
a. stop flossing and brush for extra long
b. continue flossing gently
c. call her dentist to schedule an appointment
d. stop brushing and only floss
b. continue flossing gently
Some bleeding is normal, especially after not flossing for a long time. Regular brushing and flossing will lead to less bleeding overtime.
What causes cavities:
a. bacteria
b. acid
c. sugar
d. fats
B - bacteria on you teeth eat the sugar and produce acid, which leads to cavities
What is the most important ingredient in toothpaste to help prevent against cavities?
fluoride, sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride
What is the #1 cause of cancer of the mouth?
Smoking, vaping, and other tobacco/nicotine use
How much toothpaste is it recommended that you put on your brush? You put a _____ sized amount.
What motion do you use when flossing? Which way do you slide the floss between your teeth?
up and down
How does fluoride help prevent cavities (select all that apply):
a. gets rid of current cavities
b. prevents bacteria from growing
c. encourages your gums to cover more surfaces of your teeth
d. strengthens the enamel/outer layer of the teeth
e. makes your teeth more slippery so food cannot stick to your teeth
B, D - fluoride prevents bacteria from growing and strengthens the enamel/outer layer of your teeth
How often should you replace your manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush head?
______ is a key ingredient in cigarettes, vape cartridges, and other tobacco products that has been shown to greatly increase the risk of severe gum disease and tooth loss.
Nicotine - Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for free, confidential support from trained professionals
Addison helps care for her grandmother, who wears dentures. Name 2 ways she can help her grandmother care for her dentures.
-gently brush gums and teeth without dentures in
-take out dentures and rinse with water after meals
-1x a day brush with a denture brush (not the same toothbrush you use for brushing her teeth/gums) and denture paste - do NOT use toothpaste
-take them out every night and soak them in water or a mild denture cleanser, rinse before re-inserting
-help her to the dentist's office at least once a year
What is one of the most commonly missed areas when flossing?
Behind the last tooth in the back
What is the difference between a dental hygienist and a dentist?
a dental hygienist is mainly responsible for cleaning your teeth, taking x-rays, and monitoring your gum health
a dentist is mainly responsible for diagnosing diseases of the mouth and completing restorations (fillings, crowns, etc.), but can also do everything a dental hygienist can do
What type of pressure (light, medium, heavy) do dental hygienists recommended you use when you brush your teeth?
light
Which of the following health concerns have no relationship to oral health: heart attacks, respiratory disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, stroke, obesity
Heart attacks, respiratory disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, stroke, obesity ALL have a relationship to oral health
If you do not have access to typical dental care items (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, etc.), what is it recommended that you do instead to care for your teeth and gums?
rinse vigorously with water for 30-60 seconds OR use your finger and a wet cloth/paper towel to go over your teeth and remove any food or plaque