Do You Really Know How to Pick Out a Toothbrush?

Estimated Completion Time
2 min
Do You Really Know How to Pick Out a Toothbrush?
Image: Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images

About This Quiz

So you think picking out a toothbrush is as simple as choosing between the lime green or the navy one? Picking and using the right toothbrush plays a major role in maintaing good oral health.
Which of these types of toothbrushes are better for your teeth?
soft nylon bristle
medium nylon bristle
hard nylon bristle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Soft bristle brushes are better because they are least likely to irritate the gums and damage enamel.

Exactly how long should you brush your teeth?
60 seconds
45 seconds
120 seconds
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To get the best cleaning, you should brush your teeth for two minutes. If necessary, use a stopwatch to time yourself.

The first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced in what year?
1898
1938
1969
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The first "modern" nylon bristle toothbrush that is still used today was introduced in 1938.

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How often do you replace a disposable toothbrush or electric toothbrush head?
every 6 months
once a year
every 3 months
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Experts advise you to replace your toothbrush every three months or when it shows signs of wear.

To get a proper cleaning when brushing, you don't need to pay special attention to your tooth fillings.
True
False
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You definitely need to pay special attention to your teeth fillings to make sure you're brushing them properly too.

If you wear braces, you should brush your teeth at what degree angle?
60
15
45
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

People with braces should brush their teeth at a 45 degree angle in a back-and-forth motion.

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What should you use to clean your toothbrush after brushing?
mouthwash
tap water
dishwashing detergent
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tap water should be used to rinse your toothbrush after your brush to remove debris.

How did some ancient civilizations clean their teeth 5,000 years ago?
rocks
stones
chew sticks
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

People used "chew sticks" or thin twigs with frayed edges, to rub against their teeth to get them clean.

What is the ingredient in toothpaste that prevents cavities?
flouride
whitening gel
detergent
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When choosing toothpaste, make sure it contains fluoride, which is the ingredient that prevents cavities.

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How does fluoride stop or reverse the tooth decay process?
It keeps the tooth enamel strong by preventing the loss of important minerals.
It serves as a rinse for fresh breath.
It helps with the digestive process.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Fluoride stops the decay process by keeping the tooth enamel strong and preventing the loss of important minerals from enamel.

True or False: Using electric toothbrushes can help motivate a person to brush his/her teeth.
True
False
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Some people find electric toothbrushes fun or different to use, therefore increasing their chances of regularly brushing.

Which of these activities are NOT part of the most important things you should do for good oral health?
flossing
brushing
whitening teeth
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Brushing and flossing are the most important things that you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

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True or False: Brushing with long horizontal strokes along the gumline can lead to abrasions.
True
False
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Aim for brushing your teeth up and down -- not across -- for best results.

Gum disease is a major risk factor for developing which of these health conditions?
diabetes
arthritis
psoriasis
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Gum disease is a major risk factor for developing diabetes.

True or False: It's fine to brush your teeth four times a day.
True
False
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Brushing more than three times is bit much and could expose the root of your tooth to irritation.

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True or False: Large toothbrush heads are ideal for cleaning back teeth.
True
False
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Actually, you need a small toothbrush head to clean back teeth.

True or False: Brushing your tongue helps prevent bad breath.
True
False
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A good way to prevent bad breath is to make sure you brush your tongue.

Fluoride is found in approximately what percentage of fluids like water, soft drinks and juice in the United States?
25
75
50
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Fluoride is found in approximately 75 percent of liquids like water, soft drinks and juice in the U.S.

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True or False: You can keep your toothbrush in closed containers.
True
False
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Moist environments like those found in closed containers are conducive for growing microorganisms that are bad for your toothbrush.

True or False: Manual and electric toothbrushes are equally good for people with disabilites.
True
False
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

People with mobility limitations find electric toothbrushes easier to use.

You Got:
/20
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