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About This Quiz
Healthy gums are important, and brushing them is one way to keep them that way. Test your knowledge of this often-overlooked topic.
What is one sign of gum disease?
pink-colored gums
bleeding gums
Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, especially if they bleed frequently when you brush your teeth. Smokers, however, may never have bleeding gums, even if they suffer from gum disease.
dry gums
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What percentage of the population may be susceptible to gum disease?
20 percent
30 percent
Research proves up to 30 percent of us may be susceptible to gum disease. Even with great oral care, these people may be up to six times more likely to develop periodontal problems.
40 percent
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What's one of the biggest risk factors for developing gum disease?
heredity
tobacco use
Tobacco use is one of the biggest risk factors in the development and progression of gum disease. Smokers develop more hardened plaque (tartar) on their teeth, have larger pockets around their teeth and lose more teeth-supporting bone and tissue.
diabetes
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Why is massaging your gums beneficial?
It's not; it doesn't do anything.
It removes surface bacteria.
It increases blood flow.
Massaging your gums stimulates them and increases blood flow to the area, which helps prevent disease.
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What's the main difference between a gum brush and a toothbrush?
Gum brush bristles are soft and thick.
A toothbrush has bristles specifically shaped to scrape plaque from the surface of your teeth. A gum brush has thicker, soft bristles designed to massage sensitive gum tissue.
Gum brush bristles are very short.
Gum brushes have round heads, while toothbrushes have rectangular heads.
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Do you put toothpaste on your gum brush?
Yes, always.
No, you just want to massage your gums.
You don't need to put anything on your gum brush to get a healthy massage. However, some gum brush makers recommend using them with a herbal massage oil, which they also sell.
No, but you should soak the gum brush in mouthwash before using it.
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Can you use a gum brush on infants?
No. Their gums are too sensitive.
Only when they have at least two teeth.
Yes. It's healthy for their gums, too.
There are specially designed gum brushes for babies, many of which are combination gum brushes and teething devices. Babies' gums need to be stimulated, too.
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Which of the following is NOT one of the American Dental Association's recommendations for good oral hygiene?
Brush your teeth twice a day.
Massage your gums with a gum brush once a week.
The ADA doesn't say that gum brushes are bad, but it doesn't specifically recommend their use.
Clean between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.
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Can you massage your gums with something other than a gum brush?
Nope. Nothing else is safe enough. It's gum brush or nothing.
Sure. Use your fingers or, if that's too gross for you, your toothbrush.
Yes. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush or even your fingers. Just be gentle while massaging, regardless of what you use.
Yes. You simply want to stimulate your gums, so use whatever's small enough to fit in your mouth
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You Got:
/10
