When you go to the dentist, you may hear a lot of words you don't use in everyday life. But in order to keep your mouth healthy and your smile
bright, you need to understand the right terminology to communicate effectively with your dentist.
Below, we'll quiz you on the possible definitions of 10 common terms. Take the quiz to test your dental knowledge, then scroll to the end to learn
the correct answers. Parents, feel free to work through this quiz with your younger children to help them learn more about their dental health.
Dental Terms
1. Cavity
A. A tooth's top
B. The space left by a lost tooth
C. A hole in a tooth made by decay
D. A crack in a tooth
2. Enamel
A. The hard outside part of your teeth
B. The soft inside part of your teeth
C. The space between two teeth
D. Another name for a tooth
3. Filling
A. A rinse that fills up your mouth
B. A small plug that repairs damaged teeth
C. The mirror your dentist uses to look at your teeth
D. The act of putting toothpaste on your brush
4. Gingivitis
A. The pink tissue that supports your teeth
B. A condition that affects the connective tissue in your mouth
C. Professional dental floss
D. The bumps on your tongue
5. Impaction
A. Tooth loss
B. The act of a new tooth emerging
C. A condition where a tooth faces the wrong direction
D. Removal of a tooth by your dentist
6. Plaque
A. The tissue connected to your tongue
B. The coating on your dental floss
C. The precise tool your dentist uses to clean your teeth
D. Sticky food residue and bacteria that build up on your teeth
7. Primary Teeth
A. Teeth that look discoloured
B. Your upper teeth
C. Your farthest back teeth
D. Your first teeth
8. Sealant
A. A thin plastic coating used to prevent tooth damage
B. Another name for toothpaste
C. The polishing cream your dentist uses
D. The tool your dentist uses to collect excess moisture
9. Secondary Teeth
A. Your bottom teeth
B. Your four front teeth
C. The teeth that grow in as you grow up
D. The biggest teeth in your mouth
10. Tartar
A. Hard build-up on your teeth that can cause damage
B. Foods that are bad for your teeth
C. Any discolouration on a tooth
D. A name for teeth that haven't grown in yet
Answer Key
1. C. Bacteria attack the outside of your teeth when you don't brush. Over time, bacteria can create little holes known as cavities.
2. A. The part of your teeth you can see is called enamel. This hard outer layer protects the sensitive tissue inside your teeth.
3. C. To fix a cavity, your dentist 'fills' it with a small plug made of metal or ceramic.
4. B. Your gums, or the pink tissue that supports your teeth, can contract a condition known as gingivitis. Gingivitis makes your gums sensitive and
weaker.
5. C. Before your teeth grow in, they sit under your gums. Sometimes these teeth face the wrong way, which is called impaction.
6. D. When you don't brush, residue from food builds up on your teeth. This residue is known as plaque.
7. D. Your baby teeth, or primary teeth, come in first.
8. A. To decrease the risk of cavities, your dentist may put sealant on them. This creates a barrier between your teeth and harmful bacteria.
9. C. When your primary teeth fall out, your secondary teeth replace them.
10. A. If you don't get rid of plaque, it becomes tartar. This build-up feels hard and can't be removed through brushing alone.
Your Score
How did you do?
1 to 5 Correct - Beginner: You have more to learn about your teeth and their health. Luckily, your dentist or parents can help explain any
terms you don't know yet.
6 to 8 Correct - Intermediate: You're well on your way to dental health prowess. Keep brushing!
9 to 10 Correct - Expert: Not only do you know quite a bit about your smile, but you also won't have any trouble communicating withyour dentist.
You have multiple options available to improve your understanding of your oral health. Start by scheduling your next dentist appointment.
Then, visit our blog for more information.
