The Germ Quiz-What Lives In Your Mouth?

1. The # of bacteria in your mouth is closest to the population of which of the following?

• New York City
• USA
• North America
• Earth




Answer: EARTH
The typical human mouth contains billions of bacteria.  Scientist have identified more than 700 different species of mouth- dwelling micobes



  2. A dog's mouth is cleaner than humans

• True
• False

   


Answer: FALSE

 This surprised me. There is no basis for concluding that a dog's mouth is "cleaner" than a humans.  Both  mouths are full of bacteria & contain roughly the same # bacteria.   In addition, there are more than 100 different germs in dog (& cat) saliva that could make you sick.

 
     3. If you drop food on the floor, it won't pick up any germs if you pick it up w/i 5 seconds. 

• True 
• False

Answer: FALSE
The longer the food is on the floor, the more germs it will pick up, the "5 second rule" is arbitrary.  Food starts to pick up germs from the moment it hits the floor

 

 4. Which of the following items can transfer potentially dangerous microbes b/n people.



                          

• Lipstick                                    
• Drinking glasses
• Band instruments
• All of the above




Answer: All Of THE ABOVE
Studies have shown that germs are present on many items that are shared. Don't share such personal items if you want to avoid picking up potential harmful bacteria, viruses, & other microbes.



 

5. If you find yourself w/o a toothbrush, it's a good idea to borrow a friends. 

• True
• False



Answer: FALSE
You should never share a toothbrush (TB) w/ someone else.  The CDC advices "the exchange" of body fluids would foster TB sharers @ an increased risk of infections



6.To protect your TB from harmful germs, you should:

•  Leave it out in the open air
• Store it in a closed container
• Soak it in an antibacterial mouthwash
• Microwave it for 15 seconds





Answer: LEAVE IT OUT IN THE AIR
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), recommends rinsing your TB w/ tap water after using it, then letting it air dry.  Keeping it in a closed container creates an ideal moist enviroment for the growth of bacteria.  Further more, there is no clinical evidence that soaking a TB in an antibacterial mouth rinse or using a comerically available TB sanitizer have a positive or negative effect on health.  Also using a dishwasher or microwave could damage your TB.

 

7. To avoid the build-up of bacteria, the ADA recommends replacing your TB every  month.

True

False  



Answer: FALSE
The ADA recommends replacing your TB every 3-4 months, sooner if the bristles are frayed.  The main reason for replacement is to make sure your TB is in good working condition-not because of bacteria.

 
8. Drinking green tea may help keep gums healthy.

• True
• False



Answer: TRUE
Research indicates that green tea has been associated w/ healthier gums & lowers the risk of tooth loss.

9. Anyone who kisses someone w/ periodontal (gum) disease will always get it.

•  True
• False
 



Answer: FALSE
Periodontal (gum) disease is not contagious.  While bacteria that leads to gum disease can pass through saliva, periodontal (gum) disease develops if your teeth & gums aren't healthy.  If your mouth is not healthy, you increase your risk through repeated prolong exposure to someone w/ periodontal (gum) disease.

                                                                                                                                                            

10. All bacteria are bad for the health of your teeth & gums .

• True
• False
 



Answer: FALSE
While some bacteria are bad for your teeth & gums, others are critical to keeping them healthy.  In fact, some helpful organisms in your mouth secrete substances that kill bad bacteria.




*Good Job! You now know how to deal w/ those germs in your mouth.