Brush, floss, spit: the teeth and gums quiz

The questions

1. Question 1 of 7How long should you brush your teeth each time?

   

   • 30 seconds
   • About 2 minutes
   • 10 minutes
   • Until the toothpaste runs out

   Show answer

   Answer: About 2 minutes

   The NHS and the ADA both say about 2 minutes; the ADA splits it into about 30 seconds per quarter of your mouth.

   Source: NHS: How to keep your teeth clean (reviewed 30 June 2025); ADA MouthHealthy: Brushing your teeth

   How to brush and floss your teeth properly

2. Question 2 of 7At what angle does the ADA say to hold the brush against your gums?

   

   • Flat, at 0 degrees
   • About 45 degrees
   • Straight on, at 90 degrees
   • It doesn't matter

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   Answer: About 45 degrees

   Point the bristles at the gum line at about 45 degrees and use short, gentle strokes (ADA).

   Source: ADA MouthHealthy: Brushing your teeth

   How to brush and floss your teeth properly

3. Question 3 of 7After brushing, the NHS says to…

   

   • Rinse well with water
   • Spit out the toothpaste, but don't rinse
   • Use mouthwash straight away
   • Drink a glass of milk

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   Answer: Spit out the toothpaste, but don't rinse

   Rinsing straight after brushing washes away the fluoride and makes it work less well (NHS). Use any mouthwash at a different time.

   Source: NHS: How to keep your teeth clean (reviewed 30 June 2025)

   How to brush and floss your teeth properly

4. Question 4 of 7Floss or interdental brushes: which does the Bundeszahnärztekammer say is still best for tight gaps?

   • Floss
   • Interdental brushes
   • Wooden toothpicks
   • Neither

   Show answer

   Answer: Floss

   Floss is still best for tight gaps; interdental brushes suit wider gaps and gum disease (Bundeszahnärztekammer). The NHS says an interdental brush should fit snugly, and advises against wooden toothpicks.

   Source: Bundeszahnärztekammer: Zahnseide (German, January 2024); NHS: How to keep your teeth clean (reviewed 30 June 2025)

   How to brush and floss your teeth properly

5. Question 5 of 7Your gums bleed when you brush. Should you stop brushing that area?

   

   • Yes, until it heals
   • No: keep brushing gently with a soft brush, twice a day
   • Only brush once a week
   • Scrub harder to clear it

   Show answer

   Answer: No: keep brushing gently with a soft brush, twice a day

   Plaque at the gum line is the main cause of bleeding, so keep brushing gently with a soft-bristled brush at least twice a day (MedlinePlus). Brushing too hard is itself one cause of bleeding.

   Source: MedlinePlus: Bleeding gums (reviewed 5 February 2026); NHS: Gum disease (reviewed 20 April 2026)

   Bleeding gums: what to do

6. Question 6 of 7How does MedlinePlus suggest stopping a gum bleed that won't settle?

   

   • Rinse with hot water
   • Press a gauze pad soaked in ice water on the spot
   • Brush the spot harder
   • Leave it open to the air

   Show answer

   Answer: Press a gauze pad soaked in ice water on the spot

   MedlinePlus says to press directly on the gums with a gauze pad soaked in ice water.

   Source: MedlinePlus: Bleeding gums (reviewed 5 February 2026)

   Bleeding gums: what to do

7. Question 7 of 7Which of these means asking for an urgent dentist appointment, according to the NHS?

   • Gums that bled once after flossing
   • A loose tooth with very sore, swollen gums
   • A new toothbrush feels stiff
   • Toothpaste tastes minty

   Show answer

   Answer: A loose tooth with very sore, swollen gums

   Ask for an urgent appointment if gum disease comes with very sore, swollen gums, loose teeth, ulcers or red patches, or a lump in your mouth or on your lip (NHS). In the UK, call 111 if you can't reach a dentist.

   Source: NHS: Gum disease (reviewed 20 April 2026)

   Bleeding gums: what to do