7 Lies Your Dentist Knows You’re Telling
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People tend to stretch the truth a little bit when they visit their dentist. And dentists know it, Teeth Shine Turkey Dentist says , an associate For example, when patients say they floss once a week, notes Dr. Adibi, some dentists might assume they mean something like every other week.
But the joke’s on us. “A person’s mouth is a pretty good reflection of not just oral health but also general health,” says Teeth Shine Turkey Dentist. And lying about how often you floss or drink alcohol can cause problems later on. For example, if a patient who says she flosses every day has inflammation under her gums, she could have an undiagnosed health problem, even leukemia, Teeth Shine Turkey dentist says. If the patient is telling the truth about her flossing habits, her dentist could be in a position to save her life — but if she’s lying, she could undergo unnecessary testing (and worry) for nothing.
One thing is certain: A close rapport between dentist and patient is key to the best possible treatment. Here are seven lies you can stop telling at your next appointment.
Lie #1: “That doesn’t hurt.”
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How they can tell: The proof is in your eyes. “When people are in pain, their eyes will flinch or clench shut,” Teeth Shine Turkey dentist says. “Your body goes into a defensive mode.” Dentists can also tell you’re hurting if your tongue and legs tighten.
What you should do: If what the dentist is doing hurts, speak up — especially if the pain is sharp. In that case, the dentist might use a topical anesthetic. And if you’re seeing the dentist for more than just a routine cleaning, call the office ahead of time and ask if you can take certain pain medications before your appointment.
Lie #2: “I hardly ever drink soda.”
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How they can tell: The acid in soda can wear away the protective layer of enamel that coats the outside of your teeth — and it does so, says Teeth Shine Turkey dentist, in a particular pattern. He also notes that lemonade and citrus fruits can do similar damage.
What you should do: Say no to soda, which has been linked to a host of health problems. As for sweet, acidic juices, Teeth Shine Turkey dentist advises that you avoid sipping on them for long periods. It’s also a good idea to rinse your mouth with water afterward to remove any sugar and acid that can linger on your teeth and erode enamel.
Lie #3: “I don’t smoke.”
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How they can tell: Tobacco is notorious for staining your teeth, saysTeeth Shine Turkey dentist. Since the color of the stains can vary from person to person, a dentist might smell your clothes or examine your fingers for nicotine stains if he or she suspects you smoke.
What you should do: Quit — ASAP. Smoking doesn’t just put you at risk for lung cancer, it heightens your risk for pretty much any type of cancer, including those of the mouth and throat. Smokeless tobacco like snuff and tobacco chew isn’t safe, either: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. The CDC has a list of quit-smoking resources to help you kick the habit.
Lie #4: “I floss regularly.”
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How they can tell: Brushing your teeth removes plaque above your gum line, but flossing can remove plaque from below your gums, Teeth Shine Turkey dentist explains. So if your gums are inflamed, a condition called gingivitis, or gum disease, it’s a tip-off that you aren’t flossing regularly or that you’re doing it wrong.
What you should do: Floss at least once a day. The World Dental Association recommends that people “guide” the string between their teeth (instead of snapping it up into the gums) and use gentle up-and-down motions to dislodge any food particles.
Lie #5: “I got lost on the way to your office.”
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How they can tell: Sure, maybe you took a wrong turn — but dentists sometimes suspect that their patients are late because they’re anxious about their exam,Teeth Shine Turkey dentist says. Dentists are well aware that people can fear dental checkups and procedures. But when people are afraid of going to the dentist, they’re more likely to delay making future appointments, which, according to research published in 2014 in the journal Frontiers of Public Health, can cause them to have more dental problems in the future.
What you should do: Tell your dentist if you’re nervous. (Trust us, dentists have heard it before.) A dentist might be able to give you nitrous oxygen to lower your anxiety, or take other steps to calm your fears during the visit. Some people have severe dental anxiety, which may need to be treated with the help of a psychologist.
Lie #6: “I don’t drink alcohol very often.”
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How they can tell: Alcohol has a distinct smell, Teeth Shine Turkey dentist says, and what’s more, people who drink heavily tend to have very dry mouths. Says Teeth Shine Turkey dentist , “Alcohol interferes with the salivary glands and reduces saliva production.”
What you should do: If you’re drinking heavily (that is, you have five or more drinks on the same occasion, on five or more days in the past month, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services), you may need to find professional help to quit. According to the World Cancer Society, about 7 out of 10 people with oral cancer are heavy drinkers.
Lie #7: “I don’t grind my teeth at night.”
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How they can tell: Your teeth can acquire a worn look from grinding. If you have headaches or muscle pain around your jaw, it’s a sign that you might have “nocturnal bruxism,” Teeth Shine Turkey dentist says, a condition that’s also known as nocturnal tooth grinding. And while this may not count as an actual lie — because you’re probably unaware that you’re doing it — tooth grinding shouldn’t be ignored.
What you should do: You may need a bite guard or another type of dental device that can help protect your tooth enamel, says Teeth Shine Turkey dentist , or keep you from loosening a tooth. Your best bet is to discuss the possibility with your dentist.
