At Gorelik Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina, Dr. Julia Gorelik and our team understand how important your oral health is to a healthy, beautiful smile. It begins at home with diligent daily oral hygiene. Along with regular dental cleanings, brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day will help you maintain your healthy pearly whites. But what happens if you neglect your daily care? What if you end up with tooth decay?

To find out how tooth savvy you are, let’s take a little quiz to help familiarize you with the impact of tooth decay on your smile.

Which one of these statements is UNTRUE when it comes to the inner workings of your teeth?

A. Dentin: the tough middle layer of the tooth, protecting the tooth pulp.
B. Tooth enamel: the hard outer layer protecting the dentin.
C. Tooth pulp: the middle of the tooth made of connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves.
D. Jawbone: the layer of the tooth that connects it to your skull.

Which of these does NOT cause tooth decay?

A. Bad bacteria can damage your teeth if left unchecked.
B. Enzymes in your saliva erode your tooth unless you drink lots of water.
C. Oral bacteria create acid which erodes your teeth.
D. A tooth is susceptible to decay if there is a hole in the tooth.

Which of these will NOT happen if a tooth with decay is left untreated?

A. Your tooth will experience pain, known as a toothache.
B. You will experience a heart attack and possibly a stroke.
C. Your tooth will become infected and your gums become swollen.
D. Your tooth will fall out with advanced gum disease.

Which one of these statements is TRUE when it comes to inviting tooth decay?

A. Having fluoride treatments when you see your dentist.
B. Not eating enough sugar in your diet to feed the healthy bacteria in your mouth.
C. Avoiding flossing until you see your dentist every six months.
D. Having too much saliva production causing a condition called ‘moist mouth’.

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of tooth decay?

A. Having a yucky taste in your mouth, or chronic bad breath.
B. Deep blue or even purple spots on your teeth.
C. Tooth sensitivity or toothache pain.
D. Swollen gum tissue next to a tooth which is hurting.

Dr. Julia Gorelik and our team at Gorelik Dentistry are always ready to help our patients in Charlotte, North Carolina, with your oral care needs. We look forward to working with you to help you create the healthy smile you deserve. With strong oral hygiene habits and bi-annual cleanings, your smile will prevail. We invite you to call 704-553-1627 to schedule your next checkup with our team!

Answers: D, B, B, C, B.

So did you figure out what has 88 teeth but never brushes them? Give up? Okay well, the answer is….a piano!