Just by looking in your mouth, dentists can tell you a lot more beyond your oral health condition. It may sound slightly creepy, but it’s interesting what your mouth condition can show about your habits or behavior to a dentist. Your dentist can easily point out your unhealthy habits, favorite beverages, and if you have been neglecting your oral care routine. You simply can’t hide these things, and much more from your dentist when you are in the dental chair.
Here are 6 things that dentists can easily notice despite your best efforts at hiding them:
1. The Procedure Is Hurting You
Your dentist can tell that you are in pain as your whole body assumes a defensive mode, especially if you are experiencing a sharp pain. The most evident proofs include flinching or tightly shutting of eyes, and the constriction in tongue and legs. Therefore, tell the dentist you are in pain and get the issue addressed right way.
Your dentist will be happy to discuss treatment details to alleviate your treatment pain and stress! Today, dentists can successfully deal with every single aspect of discomfort in dentistry with suitable solutions through medications and anesthesia.
2. You Are Fond of Soda Drinks
Your dentist can easily tell if you are a fan of soda drinks and sugary beverages. Over time, these drinks will make your teeth softer and damage the enamel layer, which will result in chipped teeth. Reducing your intake of these sugary drinks will restore both your oral health and your overall health.
Next time when you visit your dentist, be ready to learn more than simply whether you have any cavities or not. Your dentist has the superpower to understand a lot about your dietary preferences from your mouth and will educate you about foods and drinks you should stay away from.
3. You Don’t Floss Regularly
If you think that you can get away by lying to your dentist about your irregular flossing routine, think again. You can’t fool your dentist, especially when it comes to teeth flossing because your gums and teeth will expose you the moment you open your mouth.
Many of us avoid including flossing into our daily routine or don’t do it properly. It is essential to understand that flossing removes plaque from beneath your gum line, which can cause gingivitis or gum disease. With proper flossing action, all food particles get dislodged from your teeth and gums.
4. You’re a Smoker
If you smoke and try to conceal it from your dentist with the help of mints or mouthwash, it won’t’ work. The odor of the smoke becomes deeply infused into your gum and mouth tissues that it is easily noticeable by dentists. Stains on nails and the teeth can also reveal your smoking habit.
The direct effects of smoking include bad breath, teeth stains, plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth. Habitual smokers can experience many severe side-effects, including bone loss within the jaw, high risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and an alarmingly increased risk for oral and lung cancer. Seek medical help or follow the ADA recommended ‘quit-smoking’ resources to get rid of your smoking habit.
5. You Grind Your Teeth During Sleep
No need to feel embarrassed if you grind your teeth at night. Your dentist will know that you grind your teeth during sleep from the telltale signs, like gum recession in your mouth. People who grind their teeth may also usually experience a dull headache or sore jaw.
Regular teeth grinding can lead to problems like severe misalignment of your teeth, tooth loss, and more. If you think you have a teeth grinding habit, consult your dentist to get the necessary treatment. Your dentist may suggest a mouth guard be worn at night.
6. You’re Scared of Dental Appointments
Dentists can tell if you feel anxious about your dental appointment and try to make excuses for skipping it. When it comes to dental anxiety or phobia, you should know that you are not alone because many people find it challenging to face dentists. It is necessary to openly discuss this issue with your dentist at your next appointment and seek help according to the level of your dental anxiety.
Your dentist will help you understand what triggers your anxiety and work with you to customize a treatment plan for you. Depending on your condition, targeted therapy with a psychologist can also be recommended for you to overcome your dental anxiety.
