Test Your Dental Mettle

Try your hand at these questions on what’s good for your teeth.

1. Chewing gum is always bad for your teeth. 

___ True ___ False

2. Children should see the dentist within six months after their first tooth erupts. 

___ True ___ False

Answers

1. False. The American Dental Association (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs has awarded the ADA Seal of Acceptance to several sugarless gum manufacturers. Studies have found that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals helps prevent tooth decay. Chewing increases saliva, which helps neutralize and wash away plaque acids. These acids can break down tooth enamel, creating the right conditions for decay. However, chewing sugarless gum should supplement and not replace daily flossing and twice-daily brushing.¹

2. True. The ADA urges parents and guardians to take the child to the dentist within six months after the first tooth erupts and no later than his or her first birthday. The dentist can show parents how to clean their children’s teeth and check for tooth decay and other problems.²

¹ “ ADA Seal of Acceptance: Chewing Gum.” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/ada/seal/chewing_gum.asp Accessed 2008.

² “Baby Teeth.” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/public/topics/baby.asp Accessed 2008.