Question 2 of 21

What material was used in the oldest-known dental filling, which dates back to around 6,500 years ago?

... Scientists have recently identified a beeswax filling in a tooth found in Slovenia around a century ago. Some researchers speculate that it may have been used to decrease pain and sensitivity in a damaged tooth.

Question 3 of 21

Fact or fiction: Good oral health is proven to protect your heart.

... Fiction: While scientists have long recognized a relationship between good oral hygiene and heart health, there's no evidence of causality. It's more likely a result of shared risk factors, such as genetics or behavior.

Question 4 of 21

How often should you replace your toothbrush?

... Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if you notice that the bristles are fraying.

Question 5 of 21

At what age do your third molars start to break through the gum line, on average?

... The third molars, or wisdom teeth, start to break through the gums around the age of 17. In some people, these extra teeth cause problems and must be removed.

Question 6 of 21

When do the primary teeth start to come in?

... Primary teeth start to come in when children are between the ages of 6 months and 1 year. Most children eventually have 20 primary teeth, which play an important role in speaking and chewing.

Question 7 of 21

How long ago did people begin drilling their teeth to relieve the pain of cavities?

... Teeth found in modern-day Pakistan show clear evidence of dental drilling more than 9,000 years ago. The presence of cavities around the holes in the teeth indicate that the drilling was performed for pain relief.

Question 8 of 21

What year did public officials first add fluoride to public drinking water?

... In 1945, Grand Rapids, Mich., was the first city in the world to add fluoride to drinking water. The experiment was a major success, and greatly improved dental health, leading more cities to follow suit.

Question 9 of 21

When was the first modern toothbrush invented?

... Ancient people chewed twigs and sticks to clean their teeth. In 1780, William Addis constructed the first modern toothbrush out of bone and horsehair bristles. It wasn't until 1938 that nylon bristles were introduced.

Question 10 of 21

Fact or fiction: As long as you brush your teeth very thoroughly, there's no real benefit to flossing.

... Fiction: Flossing removes food and plaque from between your teeth, and many sources consider it more important than brushing when it comes to maintaining good oral health.

Question 11 of 21

Fact or fiction: People have been using teeth whitening products since the Middle Ages.

... Fact: Medieval literature shows that even back then, people were worried about the color of their teeth. Some medieval citizens rubbed their teeth with sage and made pastes out of herbs in an effort to whiten teeth and improve appearance.

Question 12 of 21

Before dentistry became a formal occupation during the 19th century, who did people turn to for most of their dental care?

... Before there were dentists, people turned to barbers and blacksmiths for dental care. They used forceps or metal "tooth keys," plus a great deal of force, to extract teeth.

Question 13 of 21

When was silver amalgam first used as a dental filling?

... The Chinese were the first to use silver amalgam as a dental filling, as early as 200 B.C. This mercury-based alloy was so effective at filling teeth that it was still widely used almost 2,000 years later.

Question 14 of 21

Fact or fiction: The use of mint to clean teeth and freshen breath dates back to the ancient Greeks.

... Fact: The ancient Greeks chewed mint for fresh breath and clean teeth, while the Romans made toothpastes out of bones, shells, pumice and myrrh.

Question 15 of 21

What is the name of the patron saint of toothache sufferers?

... During Roman times, Apollonia had her teeth broken and was burned alive for her Christian beliefs. As she burned, she told the crowd that those who invoked her name would be relieved of their toothaches.

Question 16 of 21

From the ancient Egyptians through the 17th century, many people believed that cavities were caused by this.

... For thousands of years, people blamed their cavities on tooth worms.

Question 17 of 21

Fact or fiction: George Washington wore wooden dentures.

... Fiction: Washington owned several pairs of dentures, but none of them were made of wood. Instead, they consisted of gold, ivory, lead or teeth from animals and humans.

Question 18 of 21

Fact or fiction: If you've got a sweet tooth, it's better for your teeth if you enjoy a quick binge, rather than eating a small amounts of chocolate continuously.

... Fact: When you pig out on chocolate, your saliva does a pretty good job of washing away sugar from the teeth. If you try and pace yourself, your saliva can't keep up and you're more likely to develop cavities.

Question 19 of 21

When did people first get to enjoy the comforts of anesthesia during tooth extractions?

... Prior to the 1840s, all tooth extractions and other painful dental procedures were performed without anesthesia. In 1844, nitrous oxide was introduced, followed by ether in 1846.

Question 20 of 21

What year did the first dental school open?

... The first dental school opened in Baltimore, Md., in 1840. Applicants needed just a grammar school education to attend. By 1899, students were required to complete at least a year of high school before attending dental school.

Question 21 of 21

Fact or fiction: An electric toothbrush is always much more effective at keeping teeth clean than a manual one.

... Fiction: According to the American Dental Association, manual and electric toothbrushes can be equally effective at cleaning teeth. For people who have trouble wielding a manual brush, an electric brush could potentially be more effective.

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