We have all tried to pull a fast one on our dentist at some point. Whether we lie about our eating habits or how regularly we floss, it can be embarrassing to answer the truth. The problem is, we are not fooling anyone because it is your Glendora dentist’s job to know when something is not right. How do dentists know if you floss? Nothing gets past the dentist because the proof is in your mouth. Glendora Family Dentistry has experience in the dental industry you can trust. Patient care is always our top priority. With that said, let’s all lay our cards on the table.
Most Common Lies a Dentist Hears
There’s nothing new you can say to a dentist that they haven’t already heard before. If you think you are being slick about your answers, just take a look at what the most common lies are that patients tell their dentist about oral hygiene:
- I rarely drink sugary beverages or alcoholic beverages
- I don’t smoke
- Every morning and every night I brush thoroughly
- I floss every time I brush
- I don’t grind my teeth at night
- That doesn’t hurt
Whether you are misleading the doctor on purpose or unintentionally, it’s pretty easy for them to see what is factual and what is fiction.
Ways that Dentists can Tell we are Lying
Som how do dentists know if you floss? Ultimately, dentists read the inside of your mouth to see the true story behind how you treat your pearly whites. Here are some of the tale-tell signs that you may be holding something back:
- The enamel layer is wearing down. There is a protective layer coating the teeth called the enamel. When you eat or drink too much sugar and acid, the pattern gets worn. The best way to remove this harmful material is by brushing your teeth after consuming things high in sugar and acid. If you do not have access to a toothbrush, at least rinse your mouth out with water to remove what you can.
- Stain on your teeth. This lets the dentist know quite a few things. Nicotine from cigarettes can cause staining on the teeth. Dark beverages like coffee and tea can leave stains on the teeth. If you consume things that cause staining, your dentist may ask you to cut back or rinse after. You want your teeth to be as white as possible, so it would be prudent to listen.
- Plaque builds up below the gum line. The plaque below the gum line is extremely hard to reach by brushing alone, which is where flossing comes into play. Flossing helps remove the plaque in that area. A survey showed that 27% of people lie to the dentist about flossing. You may not see an aesthetic need to floss, but without it, you could get inflammation and gum disease. How do dentists know you floss? The answer is written in plaque.
- Worn-down teeth. This is a sign that you are grinding your teeth. The reality is that most people grind their teeth at night, so you may be unaware you are even doing it. The fact remains that the dentist can tell. Luckily, bite guards are a simple way to mitigate this problem.
Why Telling Your Dentist the Truth is Better
A dentist’s job is to protect your teeth, and keep them as healthy and beautiful as possible. There is no real benefit to being coy or unforthcoming with your dentist. The more information they have, the better plan they can make to improve your dental hygiene. This applies to all aspects of the medial industry. Instead of trying to hide what you may be embarrassed by, try being completely honest with your dentist. This will help them better serve you, and save time. The reality is, they can tell when you are lying, so we should all just make it easier on ourselves.
If you have any questions regarding your dental hygiene, contact the experts at Glendora Family Dentistry today!
