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Q1. How many times a day should you floss?

A. At least twice

B. Once a day

C. Flossing is unnecessary

D. Every hour

 

Q2. What type of toothbrush bristles should I use?

A. Hard

B. Medium

C. Soft

D. It doesn’t matter

 

Q3. True or False: can alleviate tooth sensitivity?

 

Q4. How often should I change toothbrushes?

A. Annually

B. Every three months

C. Daily

D. There’s no need to change toothbrushes

A1. A—Flossing twice a day is recommended for keeping at bay and preventing tooth decay. Flossing every hour could actually irritate your gums and do more harm than good. Flossing is just as important as brushing because it cleans hard to reach spaces you may have left behind.

A2. C—The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid harming your gum tissue. Contrary to popular belief, harder brushing does not equal more stain removal or cleaner teeth. Instead, harsher bristles can cause gum recession and damage tooth enamel, leaving your teeth more susceptible to stains.

A3. True—Toothpastes, mouthwashes, and water supplements with fluoride can help you combat tooth sensitivity. Fluoride is a natural occurring mineral that helps build back enamel strength to protect your teeth from harsher temperatures and cavities.

A4. B—The ADA suggests replacing your toothbrush with a fresh one every three months. Changing your toothbrush regularly is important for your oral health as well as keeping your oral hygiene tool in good shape. A toothbrush is much less effective with frayed bristles.

For quality preventive dentistry services for your whole family, contact our Riverside dentist office at . We serve patients throughout Riverside County.