Fun Dental Quiz

"Odonto-" is the Greek word for

• Odontology

• Tooth abnormalities

• Tooth/Teeth

• Orthodontics

When was the first dentist in the world?

• Over 500 years ago

• Over 1500 years ago

• Over 2500 years ago

• Over 5000 years ago

Answer explanation

Hesy-Re was an Egyptian scribe who lived around 2600 B.C. and is recognized as the first dental practitioner.

What was the first toothbrush made of?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Answer explanation

The first toothbrushes were tree twigs (chewing sticks): chewing on the tips of the twigs spread out the fibers, which were then used to clean the teeth, 3500BC

Who first invented toothpaste?

• Vietnamese

• Chinese

• Greeks

• Indians

Poor dental health is linked to many serious diseases and conditions.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Some studies have linked common oral problems to illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, premature birth, osteoporosis, and even Alzheimer's disease. In most cases, the strength and exact nature of the link is unclear, but researchers suggest that dental health is important for preserving overall health.

Tooth loss is an inevitable part of aging.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

"Although tooth loss is common, it's not an inevitable part of aging," says Richard H. Price, DDS, a retired dentist in Newton, Mass., and spokesman for the American Dental Association. "Teeth do not die a natural death -- we kill them. Exactly how do we do that? In short, by disease or trauma," he says.

Teeth start to form after we are born.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The first stage begins in the fetus at about 6 weeks of age

The hardest substance found in the human body

• Bone

• Tooth enamel

• Cartilage

• Tendon

Answer explanation

A child should be seen by a dentist by what age?

• 7 years old

• 5 years old

• 3 years old

• 1 year old

Answer explanation

It is generally recommended that an infant be seen by a dentist by 1 year of age or within 6 months after the first tooth comes in.

Toothbrushes should be replaced every...

• 2 - 3 months

• 4- 6 months

Answer explanation

The American Dental Association recommends throwing out your toothbrush every three to four months. If the bristles become frayed, you're sick, or you have a weak immune system, throw it out even more often. If you use an electric toothbrush, throw out the head as often as you'd discard a disposable toothbrush.