School books have been put away for the summer, but grab a kid for this tooth care quiz. Good brushing, and knowing how to floss properly aren’t just habits for adults. If your child is old enough to stand at the counter and hold a toothbrush, then it’s time to begin teaching good oral care. There aren’t grades issued for this quiz, but knowing about children’s preventive tooth care makes a difference in a smile. If you flunk the quiz, bring your questions to your next scheduled checked up, and be prepared to learn!
Question 1: Is a Toothbrush Only for Your Teeth?
Answer 1: NO! While a toothbrush should only be used in your mouth, you should use it to effectively brush more than just teeth. Gently brush at the gum line, to remove trapped food particles. Gently brush your tongue, to remove food and bacteria and help keep your breath smelling its best.
Question 2: Mouthguards are Optional When Playing Soccer
Answer 2: NO! You should be wearing a mouthguard during any sport when there may be contact with the face. This includes soccer, basketball, wrestling, football, lacrosse and many more. Mouthguards are not generally worn in non-contact sports such as tennis, swimming and track. Ask at our office if you have questions about finding a mouthguard that fits well and offers excellent protection.
Question 3: A Cavity is Like a Little Cave in a Tooth
Answer 3: YES! In fact, cavity and cave come from the same root word! When a tooth’s protective covering (tooth enamel) is damaged, then bacteria can burrow into the tooth. Regular checkups let us use special technology to look for the early signs of tooth decay, so we can clean and patch a cavity before it gets bigger.
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