What’s Your Tooth IQ? Take This Dental Health Quiz From a Dentist in Edison!

Everyone knows that the foundation of good oral health is brushing, flossing and seeing a dentist in Edison for regular checkups. However, the power of your day-to-day habits shouldn’t be underestimated! These habits really add up over time and can either contribute to great oral health or have serious unforeseen consequences. Test your dental knowledge by taking this short true or false quiz – and you’ll be on your way to a healthier, more beautiful smile in no time!

True or False?

A Medium or Hard-Bristled Toothbrush Cleans Better Than a Soft-Bristled One

False: It may seem intuitive that a harder brush would do a better job cleaning your teeth and gums, but it actually puts you at risk for damaging to your delicate gum tissue and causing gum recession.

If you’re brushing for the recommended two minutes and using good technique, you’ll still get your teeth and gums clean – without damaging your gums. Never hesitate to ask for a short demonstration on how to brush at your next checkup. It can make a big difference in how effective you are!

Snacking or Sipping Throughout the Day Is a Healthy Habit

False: There’s a saying in dentistry, “Sip all day, get decay.” When it comes to tooth decay, it’s not only the sugars in your diet, but the frequency with which your teeth are exposed to them.

To reduce your chance of cavities, consume any sugary snacks or beverages in a fairly short window of time instead of grazing.

Celery Is Better for Your Oral Health Than an Orange

False: This is a tough one! Although both celery and oranges are healthy snacks, oranges have one thing that makes them extra beneficial: vitamin C.

Vitamin C reduces inflammation in your mouth, which greatly contributes to your gum health.

Chewing Gum Is Bad For Your Teeth and Gums

This one can be true or false because sugary gum is a bad choice – while sugar-free varieties are actually great for your oral health.

Chewing gum stimulates salivary flow, which washes away plaque and bacteria and also neutralizes the acids in your mouth that cause cavities. It’s especially beneficial if you choose a sugar-free gum that has xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol that actively prevents cavities.

Flossing Is Only Beneficial Right Before Bed

False: Sure, bedtime is the ideal time to brush and floss, but there’s a catch: Many people are exhausted late at night, which makes it unrealistic to floss at that time.

Instead, you can tweak the time you floss a bit to make it easier. For example, some people keep a container of floss at work and floss every day after lunch. Others brush and floss right after dinner when they have more energy. This is also great for discouraging nighttime snacking!

The Bottom Line

While it’s true that establishing a good hygiene routine and seeing an Edison dentist regularly is the first step towards great dental health, it’s also important to understand which daily habits are healthy and which aren’t.

And when it comes to your smile, why not make sure your habits are working in your favor?

About the Author

With many decades of experience, Dr. Steven Resnick is an award-winning dentist in Edison who has built many lifelong relationships with his patients. He knows how important everyday habits are to oral health and enjoys educating people about the best ways to care for their teeth and gums. If you have any further questions about your dental health, he can be contacted via his website or at (908) 668-7838.