Test Your Smiles Knowledge | 16 Fun Trivia Questions About Oral Health, Hygiene and History (Part 2)

As Champions of Smiles, we love April—National Humor Month. Laughter is the best medicine, and at Delta Dental of Arkansas, we want to help Arkansans to have the healthiest, happiest smiles possible.

In that spirit, we challenge you to a little fun quiz about all things smiles. Enjoy the therapeutic value of humor and learn a thing or two about maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

If you haven’t played Part 1, give it a go.

9. How often should you change your toothbrush?

a) Monthly
b) Every 3 months
c) At Christmas time
d) Only when the bristles fall out.
 

10. At what age should a child have their first dental visit?

a) before 1
b) 3
c) 4
d) When they have a toothache.

11. This substance contained burnt eggshells, charcoal and ground-up hooves of oxen. What is it?

12. How often should you floss?

a) After every meal
b) At least 1/day
c) Whenever you remember
d) Leave flossing to your dentist

13. What is the clinical term for teeth grinding and jaw clenching?

a) Plaque
b) Bruxism
c) Cavity
d) Braces

14. True or false: No 2 teeth are exactly the same shape and size.

15. How many diseases can be detected during an oral exam?

a) 5
b) 35
c) 90
d) Up to 120

16. Which teeth are named after dog teeth?

a) Molars
b) Baby teeth
c) Canines
d) Incisors

Answer Key

9.b. Dentists recommend changing your toothbrush every 3 months on average. 

Can’t remember what you did 3 months ago? Nor can we. So here is an easy reminder:

Change your toothbrush every time the Earth changes seasons. That’s the vernal equinox on March 20, the summer solstice on June 21, the autumnal equinox around September 23 and the winter solstice on December 21 or 22.

10.a. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child should visit the dentist when their first tooth appears OR their first birthday—whichever comes first.

11. The oldest recorded toothpaste used by the ancient Egyptians, about 3,000 years ago. Aren’t you glad we have mint- and cinnamon-flavored toothpaste today?

12.b. The American Dental Association recommends that you floss at least once per day to remove plaque, bacteria and food debris.

13.b. Bruxism is the clinical term for teeth grinding and jaw clenching and is often associated with nervous tension and worries.

14. True. Each tooth in your mouth is unique, even if they’re the same type of tooth (molar, incisor, etc.). Teeth also vary widely from person to person.

15.d. The signs of up to 120 diseases, some serious, can be spotted during an oral exam, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney failure, anemia and oral cancer. That’s why dentists are often called disease detectives. Regular oral exams protect not only your mouth but your overall health, too.

16.c. Canines are the four sharper, pointed teeth on each side of the incisors. Canines are very similar to incisors in that they also help with biting and tearing food. Additionally, canines help guide the mouth closed when the upper and lower jaw come together.

Contrary to popular belief, your dog’s mouth popular belief, your dog’s mouth is NOT cleaner than yours. Canines carry mouth bacteria the same way humans do. Bacteria buildup can travel into your furry friend’s bloodstream and affect his kidney, heart or liver. That’s why brushing your dog’s teeth is a good idea.  

Come Work for US

How would you like to work for a company that creates fun stuff like trivia quizzes?

But it’s no joke that we take healthy smiles very seriously. It’s our mission to improve the oral health of Arkansans, and that has made for a rewarding place to work.

Delta Dental of Arkansas has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Arkansas for 10 years in a row. 

Come join us.

Check out our career opportunities and apply.