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Have you ever stretched the truth a little bit when talking to your dentist about your oral hygiene practices during your regular checkups? While you may think that you have your dentist fooled, the truth is that they can see right through many different fibs because they hear them all the time. Continue reading to learn about the different lies that your dentist can spot right away so that you know which ones you cannot get away with.
Lie 1: I Never Smoke Cigarettes
In addition to being terrible for your body, tobacco is notorious for staining your teeth. Most of the time, it is apparent to your dentist right away if you are a frequent smoker. If you smell like smoke or have nicotine stains on your fingers, this makes it even more obvious. Smoking tobacco products increases your risk of almost every type of cancer, including cancers of the mouth and throat. If also doubles your probability of developing gum disease, and it increases your risk of tooth decay.
Lie 2: I Floss Every Day
You need to brush twice a day to remove plaque and food debris from your mouth, but this isn’t enough on its own. It is crucial that you floss every day in order to remove plaque and bacteria from hard-to-reach places, like between the teeth and beneath the gumline. If you are experiencing gum inflammation, this is an obvious sign to your dentist that you aren’t flossing as often as you should be.
Lie 3: I Don’t Drink Soda
Because soda contains a lot of both acid and sugar, your enamel can be easily damaged. Soda is linked to many different health issues as well. If you are wanting to have an occasional can of soda, but sure that you are using a straw and rinsing your mouth out with water afterwards in order to limit some of its harmful effects on your smile.
Lie 4: I Only Drink Alcohol on Occasion
Many of us like to finish off a week of hard work with a glass of wine or two, and this usually isn’t all that harmful. However, if you are frequently having one drink after another, this is when it can be risky for your overall and oral health. Because alcohol has such a distinct smell, your dentist can tell if you are a heavy drinker. People who drink also tend to have drier mouths than people who don’t because it interferes with the production of the salivary glands. It is best to save adult beverages for occasions or cut them out of your life completely.
Lie 5: That Doesn’t Hurt
Even if you feel like you are strong enough to handle a little bit of discomfort, your dentist can still tell that you are in pain. The eyes have a tendency to flinch and clench when you are hurting. Your tongue and legs can tense up as well. If you are feeling discomfort, you should let your dentist know. They may be able to use a topical anesthetic or allow you to take pain medicine before your next appointment.
Lie 6: I Don’t Grind My Teeth
During your cleaning and checkup, your dentist will let you know if they see signs of grinding. While you may be quick to say that you don’t, the truth is that you may not even know that you are doing it! Most people who grind their teeth do so at night, resulting in negative consequences, like morning headaches, jaw issues, muscle pain, and worn teeth. All of these things point to teeth grinding.
Lie 7: I Don’t Bite My Nails
Your dentist doesn’t need to look at your hands to be able to tell that you bite your nails. If there are cracks and chips in your teeth as well as wear caused by constant stress on your front teeth, this is a likely sign of nail biting. It isn’t the nails themselves that cause the damage, but the friction between the top and bottom teeth.
For future visits, you shouldn’t feel the need to stretch the tooth. By coming clean, you will be able to better work with your dentist in order to make the changes necessary for excellent oral health.
About the Practice
At NeoSmile Dental Care, you have not one, but two skilled dentists working together to provide quality, personalized treatment. Dr. Amy E. Farrell pursued her doctorate at the University of Maryland Dental School. She works alongside Dr. Krunal Patel, who earned his dental degree from the prestigious New York University College of Dentistry. For more information or to schedule an appointment at their office in Spring House, PA, visit their website or call (215) 631-8846.
