About This QuizAt any given moment, a whopping 600 species of bacteria are lurking in your mouth, many of which cling to the surface of your teeth in the form of plaque. We all know the basics of how to remove plaque, but how many people actually follow their dentist's advice and floss every day? And what food can help prevent plaque if you eat it at the end of your meal? The answers may surprise you.
According to a 2008 survey, what percentage of Americans floss their teeth every day?
Everyone knows you're supposed to floss every day, but unfortunately, only about half of us does it.
The same 2008 survey revealed that which percentage of Americans never floss?
Ten percent of Americans make a point of not picking up dental floss. Ever.
For how long should you floss every day?
1 to 2 minutes
3 to 5 minutes
This sounds like a long time to us, but dentists recommend that you floss for three to five minutes every day -- after brushing for at least two minutes.
6 to 8 minutes
How many times a year should you change your toothbrush?
once or twice
three or four times
The American Dental Association recommends changing your toothbrush three or four times a year, which is every three to four months.
every other month
Does chewing gum after meals help remove plaque from your teeth?
only If it's sugarless gum
Chewing sugarless gum actually does take plaque off your teeth -- and prevent it from forming. This is mostly attributable to the saliva that's produced as you chomp away.
How long does it take plaque to form on your teeth?
Once bacteria have landed on your teeth, it hardens into plaque in about 48 hours.
How long before that plaque turns into tartar?
You have about five days before that plaque mineralizes into tartar. Once tartar has accumulated, it has to be scraped off by a dentist.
True or false: Unwaxed dental floss is the only truly effective flossing product.
False. Waxed, unwaxed, dental tape, floss holders and superfloss are all equally good options for removing plaque -- use whichever is easiest to get between your teeth.
Which of these drinks is most likely to stain your teeth?
Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade are very acidic, which can lead to erosion of tooth enamel and staining.
Which of these foods actually helps remove plaque if you eat it after a meal?
Cheese is very low in acid, and chewing it helps produce saliva, which helps fight plaque.