We’ve all been there, feverishly brushing, flossing, and gargling with mouthwash before seeing the dentist. And when asked the dreaded question, “Have you been flossing?” many patients are too ashamed to say negative. This is a regular occurrence in the dental practice. When presented with questions concerning their dental care routines, people have a propensity to fudge the facts slightly.
Dentists can see right through it. In other circumstances, patients claim to floss once a week, but a careful check of their mouths reveals that they floss every other week. A person’s mouth is an excellent indicator of both dental health and overall well-being.
Here are falsehoods to avoid telling your dentist at your next appointment to build a strong connection with them.
I Floss Regularly – I Promise!
A toothbrush can only remove plaque from the area above the gum line. If you want to get between your teeth and underneath your gums, you should floss. Improper oral hygiene can cause gum inflammation, often known as gingivitis. It indicates that you are not flossing correctly or as frequently as you should.
The American Dental Association suggests flossing at least once daily. They also recommend directing the string between the teeth rather than snapping it up into the gum. Use gentle up-and-down strokes to remove any food bits.
Alcohol Consumption Is Rare
Aside from the characteristic odour of alcohol, heavy drinkers sometimes have dry mouth. The drink interacts with the salivary glands, reducing saliva production.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, heavy drinkers often consume five or more drinks on the same occasion on five or more days in the previous month. According to the American Cancer Society, about 7 out of every 10 oral cancer patients are hooked to alcohol. Find a specialist to help you quit before it does irreversible damage to your oral and general health.
That’s Not Sore!
Clenching your eyes shut, stiffening your legs and tongue, and grimacing are all signs of agony. When you’re in pain, your body goes into defence mode, which the dentist can detect. If you are in severe agony, speak out. In that instance, the dentist may need to use a topical anaesthetic. If your visit is for more than a normal cleaning, phone the clinic ahead of time to see if there is any pain medication you may take before the treatment.
I Don’t Smoke
Smoking causes tooth stains from nicotine and tobacco, as well as yellow teeth, gum disease, and oral cancer. Don’t make it difficult for your dentist to evaluate your clothes for tobacco smell or your fingers for nicotine traces. If you smoke, be honest about it.
Your dentist can recommend teeth whitening products to restore your smile, but the most effective method is to just stop smoking. Smoking increases the chance of not only lung cancer, but also almost every other kind of cancer, including throat and mouth cancer. Smokeless tobacco, such as chew and snuff, is also hazardous. It can lead to dental decay, gum disease, and tooth loss, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Here are some resources to help you quit your habit.
I Don’t Grind My Teeth
Grinding wears down your teeth, and this is clear. If you get headaches or muscular soreness around your jaw, you may have “nocturnal bruxism,” commonly known as nocturnal teeth grinding. This may not be considered a lie because you are presumably ignorant of it. Fortunately, most dentists will detect this right away and may suggest a bite guard or other dental device to preserve your tooth enamel. To be sure, discuss this idea with your dentist.
Sorry, I Couldn’t Find My Way
Some individuals grow so apprehensive about visiting the dentist that they postpone their appointment. If you do not tell your dentist about your phobia of dental examinations and procedures, your future visits may be jeopardised. Patients’ anxiety about dental appointments can lead to oral health concerns.
If you’re afraid, tell your dentist; it’s something they’ve never heard before, so there’s no need to be embarrassed. He or she may be able to provide you with oxygen to alleviate your anxiety or take other measures to keep you quiet throughout the appointment. A psychologist can provide more effective treatment for people who suffer from acute dental anxiety.
I Don’t Even Like Fizzy Juice
If you’re like half of the Scottish population, you’ve probably had a sugary drink today – and it could have been a can of irn-bru. Carbonated sugary beverages harm your smile, potentially causing cavities and noticeable tooth decay. The acid in lemonade and citrus fruits can also erode the protective layer of enamel that covers the outside of your teeth, causing harm. Dentists advise against drinking soda or sipping on it for extended durations. The least you can do after drinking is rinse your mouth with water to minimise the harm. This will eliminate any acids and sugars that may remain on your teeth and destroy enamel.
The Risks Of Lying To Your Dentist
When you lie about consuming alcohol or flossing, you will face consequences later on. If a patient claims to floss every day yet has gum disease, she may have an undiagnosed health concern, such as leukaemia.
Tell Your Dentist The Truth So They Can Provide The Correct Dental Treatment
Telling your dentist the truth about your oral care practices helps them to give you the finest treatment available. If you lie, you may be subjected to unnecessary testing for nothing.
