Even if you know you shouldn’t, maybe you tell fibs at your dental checkups. That wouldn’t be a huge surprise – honest answers to a dentist’s questions can feel shameful. Still, there’s no point in sharing these falsehoods; there are many lies your dentist knows you’re telling. Your Portage dental practice can even explain some of the more common ones to you. If that sounds good, keep reading to learn about four lies your dentist can see as such.
“I Don’t Grind My Teeth!”
Many night grinders don’t know they grind their teeth, so they unknowingly lie at their checkups. However, a dentist can often tell if someone has the habit.
The truth is that bruxism (i.e., grinding teeth) tends to show certain telltale signs. In particular, those with the problem tend to have worn-looking teeth, headaches, and muscle pain around their jaws. Dentists can typically spot these symptoms and use them to diagnose a patient’s grinding. To that extent, they’ll know if someone is lying about being a non-grinder.
“I’m Not a Smoker!”
Since smoking isn’t well-regarded these days, many people hide their smoker status. That said, a dentist will likely know if you’re lying about this matter.
While you may lie about smoking, your smile sure won’t. Using tobacco products leads to visible signs like unique tooth stains, receding gums, bad breath, and more. For that reason, many dentists can tell if their patients are habitually smoking or vaping. They’ll then catch smokers who lie about their habits and help them with ways to quit.
“I Floss Daily!”
Daily flossing is easy to skip, leading many patients to lie about their lapse. Even so, it’d be better to come clean; dentists will know whether you floss daily anyway.
A lack of flossing becomes evident during a dental checkup. As the dentist pokes around, they’ll see the plaque below your gumline, how the gums seem swollen and red, and how easily they can make your gum tissues bleed. Such things will inevitably show that you don’t floss every day, exposing you as a liar.
“I Hardly Drink Alcohol!”
You may think you can lie to your dentist about drinking, but think again. It turns out that most dental teams will know if you’re fibbing.
Most people don’t realize that a high alcohol intake harms their oral health. If someone drinks too much, they’ll likely have a dry mouth; their alcohol will have reduced their saliva production. Similarly, heavy drinkers face a higher risk of oral cancer – a condition that dentists can easily detect.
Given the lies your dentist knows you’re telling, don’t fib at your next dental checkup. Just be honest and let your dental provider know how they can help your smile!
About the Practice
Advanced Dental Concepts is based in Portage, IN. Led by Drs. Danny Hayes and Anas Khan, our practice strives to give each patient the dreamy grin they deserve. That means we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services tailored to your smile and its needs. By taking this approach, our team ensures you and your family sport thriving teeth and gums! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (219)-763-6878.