Planet Science | Wired | february filter

National smile week is May the 16^th to 22^nd. Every Year this week comes along to remind us to take care of our precious gnashers, so Planet Science has joined in with a quiz devoted to the quality of your grin.

You stand to win three cuddly fluffy microbes, bad breath, sore throat and lovely 'kissing disease' (AKA glandular fever in case you were wondering!), all of which might be found loitering with intent in a mouth near you.

We'll also throw in a Boots voucher so you can stock up on - what else? - toothpaste!

So sink your teeth into these questions and give them a good chewing….

01	What is the technical name for bad breath?
		Halibut
		Halitosis
		Halleberry
		Reveal answer

02	Teeth are made of the hardest substance in the human body. What is this called?
		Marrow
		Enamel
		Cartilage
		Reveal answer

03	Which of these animals have the most permanent teeth?
		Cat
		Dog
		Rabbit
		Reveal answer

04	How can you tell the difference between crocodiles and alligators?
		A crocodile’s teeth are visible when the crocodile’s mouth is shut.
		Alligators have no teeth and use their claws to kill prey.
		Crocodiles’ teeth tend to look pink in sunlight.
		Reveal answer

05	On average, how many bacteria can be exchanged during a single kiss?
		5 hundred
		5 thousand
		5 million
		Reveal answer

06	The first braces were invented by Pierre Fauchard in 1728 – what were they made of?
		A flat strip of metal with thread to attach it to the teeth.
		Gold wire wound around each tooth
		Stainless steel shield, sealing all the teeth into a preset mould.
		Reveal answer

07	What is so special about a person’s ability to roll their tongue?
		It is a genetic trait – either you can or you can’t – there is no in-between
		With enough practice everyone can roll their tongue
		It can only be learnt before the age of 5, after that it is too late.
		Reveal answer

08	Which one of these foods contains tannins that cause teeth staining?
		Tea
		Cheese
		Eggs
		Reveal answer

09	A gelotologist studies what?
		Saliva
		Laughter
		The uvula - the dangly thing at the back of the mouth
		Reveal answer

10	What is so special about a Duchenne smile?
		In this smile both the top and bottom teeth are visible.
		Muscles in the eye work as well as those around the mouth – it is an emotional smile.
		It is a false smile, given away by the mouth being crooked.
		Reveal answer

Back to Quizzes & Competitions

National smile week is May the 16th to 22nd. Every Year this week comes along to remind us to take care of our precious gnashers, so Planet Science has joined in with a quiz devoted to the quality of your grin.

So sink your teeth into these questions and give them a good chewing….

National smile week is May the 16^th to 22^nd. Every Year this week comes along to remind us to take care of our precious gnashers, so Planet Science has joined in with a quiz devoted to the quality of your grin.