Stretching the truth a bit during your regular dental checkups is quite common. From how often you floss to whether or not you smoke, you may think you’re pulling the wool over your dentist’s eyes, but you’re not. Believe it or not, your dentist probably knows the truth. Your mouth is an open book to your dentist, and they know when you’re telling those little white lies. Lying to your dentist will only lead to more long-term problems.
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I Floss Almost Every Day
Even if you brush your teeth every day, you’re only removing the plaque on the surface of your teeth and above your gum line. If you have large deposits of plaque below your gums, chances are, you’re not flossing as regularly as you say.
You’ve heard it before, and you’ll hear it again — floss every day. Gentle up-and-down motions will help dislodge any food particles that may be stuck between your teeth.
I Don’t Smoke
Everyone knows that smoking is bad for your health. It heightens your risk for a variety of different cancers, including mouth and throat cancer, and even smokeless tobacco like chewing tobacco can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss and gum disease.
A concerned dentist may ask if you smoke or vape. Even if you claim otherwise, staining on your teeth, nicotine stains on your fingers and the smell of smoke on your clothing are dead giveaways that you’re not telling the truth. Dentists often know if their patients are smoking or vaping. If you’ve only smoked once or twice, it won’t be noticeable unless recent.
I Don’t Drink Soda Very Often
Too much soda can wear away the protective enamel that coats your teeth because of its high acid content. If you drink too much soda, your dentist may encourage you to find an alternative beverage to enjoy, as sodas high in sugar are also linked to a variety of other health problems.
I Don’t Grind My Teeth
If you’re a night grinder, you may not know you’re telling a lie, but you’re probably presenting telltale signs that give the habit away. These hints include the following:
- Your teeth have acquired a worn look.
- You experience headaches.
- You commonly have muscle pain around your jaw.
Whether you grind your teeth at night or during the day, bruxism should not be ignored. Your dentist may need to fit you for a mouth guard or a night guard to help protect your teeth. If you’re wearing your teeth out from grinding, contact us right away for assistance.
I Hardly Ever Drink Alcohol
“Can my dentist tell if I drink alcohol?” The short answer to this question is yes – here’s why: Most people don’t realize that too much alcohol consumption can actually impact their oral health. Those who drink heavily often have dry mouths, as alcohol can reduce saliva production. Heavy drinkers also face an increased risk of oral cancer. Your dentist can likely tell if you’re a heavy drinker.
Trust Your Dentist With the Truth at Gateway Dentistry Group
At Gateway Dentistry Group, we seek to create a close rapport with each of our patients. When you feel safe and secure in our care, you can stop telling these common fibs. As you can see, we probably know the truth anyway. We’ll strive to provide you with a secure atmosphere where you can rest assured knowing you’re in capable and professional hands.
If you’re ready to schedule your appointment, fill out our online appointment form or give us a call at 1-780-539-3555.
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