How well do you think you know your teeth? Put your knowledge to the test!

Question: When is it time to toss your toothbrush?

Answer: Don’t wait until the bristles are all bent over or falling out – replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Obviously, rinse the food and debris out of your toothbrush after brushing, and stand it upright to dry.

Question: How strong are your teeth?

Answer: Very strong! Your jaws can exert 30 to 50 pounds of pressure on your incisors (front teeth). Your molars (back teeth) take even more force – up to 200 pounds! Happily, our teeth are covered with enamel, the hardest substance in the body.

Question: What causes cancer in your mouth?

Answer:  Smoking and alcohol are risk factors, but almost a quarter of the roughly 35,000 new cases of oral cancer every year are found in people with no known risk factors! Get checked out if you suspect something amiss – oral cancer is very treatable if diagnosed early.

Question: Doesn’t everyone need dentures eventually?

Answer: No! Nearly 75% of people over age 65 have kept some or all of their teeth, according to the American Dental Association. If you brush and floss your teeth daily and see your dentist, you could have healthy teeth for life!

Question: If your tooth is knocked out, should you put it back in its socket?

Answer: Yes. If your tooth is dirty, rinse it off before replacing it in your mouth and gently hold it in place. Don’t remove any tissue from the tooth. Since it’s a dental emergency, see your dentist as soon as possible.

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