Oral hygiene

Read the text below and decide which answer (A, B, C, or D) best fits each gap. Only one answer is correct.

Dental care has changed a great deal in (1)……… years. Brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups are now common.
These practices have helped cut (2) ……… on oral diseases such as tooth decay (dental caries) and gum disease ( gingivitis,
periodontitis). Fluoride in toothpaste has also (3) ……… an important role in preventing tooth decay.
The purpose of oral hygiene is to (4) ……… dental plaque from the teeth and gums. Plaque is made (5) ……… of bacteria
and mineral deposits. It forms continually in the mouth. When not removed promptly, plaque can (6) ……… to tooth
decay and gum disease. For most people, brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day is enough to
remove accumulated plaque. Some people tend to (7) ……… up plaque more quickly than others. Individuals should (8)
……… their own dentist or hygienist about specific care instructions.
The most important parts of the teeth and gums to clean are also the most difficult to (9) ………. That is why it is (10)
……… to brush teeth up to the edges of the gums, floss regularly, and even brush the top of the tongue. People who have
bridges, orthodontic (11) ………, or other difficult to clean areas of the mouth may need to use special brushing devices.
(12) ……… brushing has the added benefit of producing fresher breath.
Regular dental exams and professional cleanings are also critical. The (13) ……… of the (14) ……… plaque hardens onto
the teeth in the form of tartar. The dentist or hygienist can remove this substance. Periodic dental x-rays (15) ……… at
these visits can uncover evidence of dental disease at an early and (16) ……… stage. For most people, a cleaning and
examination twice a year is enough (17) ……… some people may need more frequent care.
Who is a candidate for the procedure?
A child's first visit to the dentist should be (18) ……… when the first few baby teeth appear at around the age of 6
months. This will be a get-(19) ……… visit. At about 3 years old, when most of the baby teeth have come in, a child should
begin having exams (20) ……… 6 months. This allows the child to get used (21) ……… dental visits. Most children who start
this way do not develop (22) ……… fears of the dentist's office. The dentist will show the parents how to (23) ……… for a
small child's teeth and recommend fluoride (24) ……… when needed. Twice yearly (every six months) dental visits should
be continued from childhood through adulthood.

1. a. last b. recent c. recently d. our

2. a. off b. out c. of d. down
3. a. played b. showed c. paid d. presented
4. a. remote b. retain c. remove d. restore
5. a. upwards b. up c. off d. from
6. a. transform b. cause c. turn d. lead
7. a. build b. form c. make d. built
8. a. check b. consult c. demand d. agree
9. a. reach b. achieve c. rich d. obtain
10. a. known b. possible c. intended d. key
11. a. supplies b. bands c. brands d. tools
12. a. Through b. Thorough c. Though d. Tough
13. a. remnants b. remaining c. remission d. reminder
14. a. bacteria b. bacterium c. antibacterial d. bacterial
15. a. carried b. achieved c. performed d. accomplished
16. a. treating b. treatment c. untreatable d. treatable
17. a. however b. although c. moreover d. despite
18. a. decided b. around c. arrange d. scheduled
19. a. together b. acquainted c. better d. over
20. a. every b. only c. any d. during
21. a. with b. in c. to d. before
22. a. lifesaving b. lifesaver c. life-threatening d. lifelong
23. a. look b. care c. go d. treat
24. a. supplements b. extras c. supplies d. deposits