Have you ever visited your dentist for a regular checkup and cleaning, and were asked the very question you’d been dreading, “How often do you floss your teeth?” How did you respond?
If you lied and said, “I floss every day!” then don’t worry – you’re not the first patient to lie to their dentist! Plus, they probably weren’t fooled. Dentists can usually tell what your oral habits are like. If you’d like to know what other fibs they’ve caught on to, keep reading.
“I Don’t Drink THAT Much Soda”
Soda is both sugary and acidic, so it’s not that hard to tell when a patient is a fan of Coke or Pepsi. Sugar accelerates bacteria growth, which can make teeth appear dirtier or cause frequent cavities. Meanwhile, acid erodes your dental enamel, which can cause sensitivity or expose your pearly whites to – you guessed it – more bacteria. Good luck getting this fib past your dentist!
“My Last Appointment Was Fairly Recent”
First of all, your dentist keeps records and calendars. They know when your last dental appointment was. Secondly, even if you’re a brand-new patient, bacteria build up can make it pretty obvious that you haven’t been in for a cleaning in a while. Brushing and flossing every day at home might mitigate daily bacteria accumulation, but only professional tools can eliminate their more stubborn forms – plaque and tartar.
“I Never Grind My Teeth”
To be fair, you might not be aware that you are grinding your teeth! Some do it during the day, when they’re unconscious, but others unfortunately do it in their sleep. If you sleep-grind, there’s good news – your dentist will know. Teeth grinding can cause premature wear and jaw pain, which is a pretty good visual indication that you need a nightguard or other such protection.
“I Don’t Smoke OR Vape”
If you do consume any type of tobacco, you should come clean to your dentist. Smoking can be a hard habit to break, so there’s no judgement there. The problem is that the chemicals in tobacco products are really bad for your oral health.
Besides staining your teeth, they can make oral injuries worse by slowing down the healing process and increasing your risk of infection. Tobacco products are also strongly associated with gum disease. Your dentist will most likely notice the results of your tobacco consumption, but for the sake of your pearly whites, it’s a good idea to be sure they’re in the know!
Honesty is The Best Policy
The saying is cliché, but also true. For one thing, you won’t be able to get much past your dentist. For another, it’s better to be honest about your habits so that they can help you prevent uncomfortable (and unfavorable) oral conditions. You’re a team when it comes to your dental health, so work with your professionally trained partner to protect your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Bikram Singh knows that every patient is different. To help his patients feel comfortable, he provides spa-like amenities in his office and invests in advanced dental technology like digital X-rays and impressions. He also provides treatment judgement free. No matter who you are or what your smile needs, Dr. Singh will make sure you’re well taken care of and feel welcome when you visit! To contact his office, call 919-460-5454.