September 27th 2024.
We often try to hide our secrets, even from our dentist. But is it really possible to hide the truth about our oral hygiene? Many of us believe that a quick swish of mouthwash before a dental check-up can erase any evidence of our bad habits. However, as much as our eyes may be the window to our soul, our mouth can reveal a lot about our lifestyle, including what we've been up to in the bedroom.
According to a recent study, 73% of people admit to telling little white lies while sitting in the dentist's chair. And let's be honest, we've all done it at some point. But the truth is, our dentist needs to have a clear understanding of our habits and lifestyle in order to provide us with the best treatment. And let's face it, they can easily see through our fibs once we open wide.
Dr. Minoo Ghamari, a dentist from Gorgeous Smiles in Melbourne, knows all too well about the lies patients tell. She shares some of the most common fibs and how they can easily be detected.
"I don't smoke or vape," is a statement many of us have probably said to our dentist. But the truth is, they can usually tell if we're smokers just by looking at our teeth. Nicotine stains and a distinct smell are dead giveaways. And let's not forget about the damage that smoking and vaping can cause, such as dry mouth and gum disease.
Another common lie is, "I avoid fizzy drinks and coffee." But let's be real, who can give up coffee? And while we may try to hide our love for soda, our teeth can reveal the truth. The acids in these drinks can break down our tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay. Dr. Ghamari reminds us that it's important to be honest with our dentist about our drink preferences so they can advise us on how to manage any potential damage.
"I floss regularly," is another fib that many of us have told. But the truth is, it's pretty obvious if we're not flossing regularly. Plaque build-up and bleeding gums are dead giveaways. And let's not forget about the long-term effects of neglecting to floss, such as tooth discoloration and even teeth shifting.
"I brush twice a day," is a lie that may seem harmless, but it can have serious consequences. Tartar and plaque build-up, as well as cavities, can easily be spotted by our dentist if we're not brushing enough. And in some cases, patients even show up to their appointment with food still stuck in their teeth because they only brush sporadically.
"I don't bite my nails," is a fib that many of us may have said. But biting our nails can actually cause damage to our teeth, such as tiny chips and marks. Not to mention the bacteria that can form in these chips, leading to decay. If you're struggling to break this habit, it's worth mentioning to your dentist as they may be able to offer some helpful advice.
"I steer clear of sugar," is a lie that can be harmful to our oral health. A high sugar diet can cause imbalances in our gums and saliva, leading to tooth decay. Dr. Ghamari reminds us that being honest about our sugar intake allows our dentist to keep an eye on any potential symptoms.
Another common fib is, "I rarely drink alcohol." While this may seem like a harmless lie, it's important to remember that heavy alcohol use is linked to oral cancers. So it's important to be upfront with our dentist so they can monitor any concerning symptoms.
And finally, "I haven't had oral sex recently," may seem like an awkward topic to discuss with our dentist. But the truth is, they can usually tell if we've had oral sex, whether we deny it or not. A telltale sign is petechiae, or small bruises on the soft palate, which can be caused by rough or enthusiastic oral sex. And while it may be embarrassing to admit, our dentist is there to help, not judge.
In the end, Dr. Ghamari reminds us that lying to our dentist not only does a disservice to ourselves, but it can also have serious consequences for our health. It's important to let go of any shame and be honest with our dentist. They are there to help us and the more they know, the better they can manage our oral health and provide us with guidance. So next time you're sitting in the dentist's chair, remember that being honest is the best policy.
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