Hopefully, you know that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss at least once, to keep your teeth clean, healthy, and strong. However, your dental health involves more than merely brushing and flossing. For instance, do you know how this routine keeps your mouth healthy, or why visiting your dentist regularly is important, even if your teeth don’t hurt? To help you sharpen your dental hygiene knowledge and improve your oral health care, Sheridan family dentist Dr. Coon tests your knowledge of proper dental hygiene care.
How Sharp is Your Dental Hygiene Knowledge?
For best results, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. According to the American Dental Health Association (ADA), how long should each session last?
- One minute
- Two minutes
- Three minutes
- Until your gums bleed
Dental plaque, the sticky film that sometimes adheres to your teeth, is largely responsible for many oral health issues. Which of the following does NOT contribute to plaque formation?
- Billions of bacteria
- Food debris
- Tooth secretions
- Saliva
Streptococcus mutans, a specific strain of oral bacteria, is one of the main causes of cavity development. After consuming sugar, what do these germs secrete that threatens your teeth?
- Acid
- Carbohydrates
- Noxious gases
- Nothing—sugar causes cavities, not germs
Answers
2—The ADA recommends brushing your teeth for at least two minutes each session to allow enough time to clean every surface of every tooth.
3—The sticky biofilm known as plaque is created by congregating oral bacteria, and can collect food debris and saliva as it grows. Your teeth, however, should not secrete anything; if they do, call our Sheridan dentist’s office immediately.
1—S. mutans converts sugar and other fermentable carbs into lactic acid, which saps minerals from your teeth and weakens your tooth enamel to prepare for the onset of tooth decay. Other bacteria release noxious gases as a result of metabolization and contribute to offensive breath; however, acid, not these gases, threaten your teeth with enamel erosion and tooth decay.
Excellent Dental Health Care in Sheridan
To learn more about protecting your teeth, or to speak with your Sheridan dentist about improving your dental hygiene, schedule a consultation at Grinnell Street Dental by contacting our Sheridan dentist office at (307) 672-7567. We welcome patients from Sheridan, WY and the surrounding communities.
