A Close Look Into Common Dental Problems
When you are aware of the common diseases that impact oral health, you’ll know what you can do to prevent them. Understanding the symptoms of those diseases will also prompt you to seek treatment sooner rather than later. This important discussion appears in a Verywell Health article by Tammy Davenport, which Ashraf Dentistry summarizes here to fill everyone in with crucial information. (Source: Very Well Health, The Most Common Dental Problems, by Tammy Davenport, medically reviewed by Edmund Khoo, DDS, September 6, 2022, https://www.verywellhealth.com/top-common-dental-problems-1059461 ).
Bad breath
In a vast majority of cases, unpleasant breath results from a dental condition. It could be cavities, dry mouth, odour-causing bacteria on the tongue, or oral cancer. Persistent bad breath may necessitate gum disease treatment, or if caused due to poor oral hygiene, cleanings, and fillings to prevent cavity growth.
Tooth decay
Also called cavities or caries, tooth decay is preventable by brushing twice daily, flossing every day, and getting regular dental check-ups. Avoiding too many sugary drinks will help too. If left untreated, cavities will keep growing and destroy the inside of the tooth. “Cosmetic dentistry cannot correct cavities,” says Ashraf Dentistry. “Depending on how long you’ve had the cavities, you may need cleanings and fillings, root canal treatment, or tooth extraction.”
Gum disease
Gum disease is common among people in their 30s. Smoking, diabetes, and dry mouth are risk factors. Symptoms include bad breath, tender or bleeding gums, pain while chewing, and sensitive teeth. Good oral hygiene helps keep gum disease away and saves hundreds to thousands of dollars on gum disease treatment.
Mouth sores
Many mouth sores are harmless, but those that last more than two weeks may indicate something going on in your body and require medical attention. Be aware that cold sores are contagious while canker sores aren’t.
Sensitive teeth
Sensitivity to cold or hot drinks or food usually indicates a tooth abscess, a pocket of pus that forms inside your teeth or in the gums due to a bacterial infection. Quick treatment is necessary to avoid losing your teeth or suffering a jaw infection. Note that some sensitivity is common after professional teeth whitening but goes away soon on its own.
Toothaches and dental emergencies
Rushed trips to the dentist commonly occur from losing a tooth after an accident, a tooth abscess, or a broken or chipped tooth after a misadventure. Your dentist will recommend a dental implant if you’re missing a tooth. However, dental crowns and bridges, which are considered restorative dentistry, could be recommended as well.
Tooth erosion
Acids can wear away at the tooth enamel, causing sensitivity or even cracking. The loss of the tooth surface is irreversible and can be prevented with good oral care. Veneers, fillings, crowns, or tooth extraction address tooth erosion.
Unattractive smile
People turn to cosmetic dentistry to change their smiles to something they like more. Professional teeth whitening, cleanings, fillings, braces, dental implants, or more extensive cosmetic dental work can fix smiles and boost confidence.
Oral cancer
Oral cancer can be treatable if detected in the early stages. The consequential risk factors are smoking or chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol, and acquiring cancer-causing human papillomavirus (HPV) from close/sexual contact with someone who has the virus. Symptoms to watch for include:
- A lip or mouth sore that is slow to heal or doesn’t heal.
- A lump inside the mouth.
- A change in bite.
- Difficulty swallowing.
Be wise on oral hygiene and take good care of your body
Following the best practices of keeping your mouth clean and healthy helps avoid common dental problems. Pay attention to warning signs of dental issues, and get timely treatment, whether that be gum disease treatment or root canal. Suppose your dental issue is cosmetic in nature. In that case, your dental professional will recommend a few options for a natural and healthy-looking smile. You can explore these options with a dentist who offers cosmetic dentistry.
Frequently Asked Questions on Root Canals
Happy Root Canal Day! The month of May hosts Root Canal Awareness Week and Root Canal Day. Our list of FAQs on root canal therapy is designed to spread awareness about root canal therapy and what you can do to save your teeth and smile.
What is a root canal?
Root canal therapy or endodontic therapy is a safe and effective tooth-saving procedure used by dentists to save a fractured, chipped, or decayed tooth.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Your dentist will carefully inspect your tooth and use X-rays to view the inside of the affected tooth, allowing them to decide on the best treatment option. Let’s check out some common causes that entail a root canal treatment.
- Deep decay from an untreated cavity.
- Multiple dental procedures are performed on the same tooth.
- A crack or chip in the tooth.
- An injury to the tooth that causes the pulp to get damaged – even if the tooth appears fine externally.
When is a root canal essential?
Tooth decay and a chip or crack in a tooth can inflame or infect the pulp (inside the tooth). To save the tooth, root canal therapy is required. If left untreated, an infected tooth’s infection might spread to neighbouring teeth and infect the surrounding gum tissue and bone.
What does a root canal procedure entail?
The injured or infected tooth tissue (pulp) is gently removed from the crown and roots of the tooth during a root canal. The pulp is the innermost component of the tooth, containing blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that nourishes the tooth’s root during development. After the pulp is removed, the canal is cleaned, disinfected, filled, and sealed.
How long is the root canal procedure?
A root canal can take one to two hours to complete and is usually done in one session. You may need two dental visits to finish the procedure if the condition is severe.
What are the advantages of root canal therapy?
A root canal rescues, repairs, and restores your natural tooth and keeps you from having it extracted. You will not experience acute pain as a result of the surgery. Not only is the affected tooth protected from infection, but so are the adjoining teeth, gums, and bones.
I have a fear of dental procedures; what can I do?
Ashraf Dentistry offers Sedation Dentistry – an excellent option for individuals who experience anxiety or fear that revolves around visiting a dentist or requiring a dental procedure. During sedation dentistry, intravenous sedation is administered to help you relax so you feel no discomfort or pain during a dental procedure. The anesthetic dose is closely monitored, and your vital signs– such as oxygen saturation, heart rate, and respiratory rate, will be monitored continuously during the procedure.
Ashraf Dentistry offers single-needle sleep dentistry and anesthetic deep sleep dentistry. Anesthetic deep sleep dentistry is safe and can be performed once a month.
After a root canal, what does recovery look like? What is the best way to maintain oral health after a root canal?
After root canal therapy, you might experience some numbness in your mouth for a couple of hours. Once the anesthetic wears off, you won’t have the same excruciating pain you suffered before the treatment. However, you might experience some tenderness in the surrounding area for a few days.
Maintaining good oral hygiene after root canal therapy is vital because the canal must be kept clean. Brush twice a day, floss once a day, and softly rinse your mouth. While on a temporary filling, avoid hard, hot, cold, chewy, and crunchy foods and stick to soft foods. Put no pressure on the teeth. Follow-up appointments are required so your dentist can confirm that everything is recovering properly.
Is there a way to accelerate the healing process?
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy, or PRP, can help accelerate the normal healing process. Platelets are a critical component of the healing process – they help with clot formation and the release of growth factors into the wound.
Ashraf Dentistry offers (PRP) Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy. During this procedure, the dentist will harvest and fractionate large quantities of platelets and growth from your blood. The procedure is safe, convenient, cost-effective, and promotes faster healing.
Is there an alternative solution?
Your tooth will not heal on its own if it is severely infected, chipped, or broken, and you will need a root canal. In most cases, tooth extraction is the only alternative to root canal therapy. Only your dentist can advise you on the best course of treatment and if there are alternatives based on the severity of the tooth’s condition and your medical history.
Thanks to modern medicine and technological advancements, root canal therapy is no longer the dreaded procedure it once used to be. This root canal month, spread the word about root canal treatment, including what it is and how it can help. If you require a root canal, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist about sedative dentistry and Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy.
Mental Health and Your Teeth
Mental health awareness month – May – is here. It is an excellent time to prioritize this aspect of our health. Most of us are unaware that mental health issues can also lead to dental problems. Even high-stress levels can result in poor oral health and provoke associated ailments. Knowing how they are connected can help you avert many of these problems and prevent an emergency dentist visit.
Stress and anxiety
To begin with, when you are stressed out, you don’t pay attention to your oral hygiene routine. You may be ignoring flossing, not brushing adequately, or keeping up with your regular cleanings and fillings appointments. These lead to poor oral health over time. Anxiety can also make you ignore your food, often pushing you to pick up unhealthy snacking habits or skip meals. Neither is healthy for your dental or overall health. Stress is also a key cause of canker sores in your mouth.
With stress hormone cortisol peaking, your immunity is compromised, and bacterial infections can easily flourish in your gums. Some medications used for fighting off mental health issues result in dry mouth.
Have you noticed that you tend to clench or grind your teeth when you are terribly stressed? This can seriously damage your enamel and even the bone structure. These kinds of damage are irreversible. Jaw issues are also common side effects of this result of extreme anxiety.
Dealing with anxiety apart, talk to your dentist about solutions for the oral health problems you are facing. For example, mouth guards or Botox Therapeutics can be a simple but effective preventive for teeth grinding.
Depression
Depression can make it impossible for you to motivate yourself to do your daily activities. That includes brushing and flossing. You may even be putting off your scheduled dentist visits for cleanings and fillings thanks to your mental health condition. Poor oral care combined with avoidance of dentist visits makes for a high risk of oral health problems. This is another condition where your cortisol levels peak, leaving you vulnerable to infections. Medications for these conditions are often found responsible for dry mouth, which can lead to several oral health issues.
Simple solutions like getting someone to remind you about oral hygiene routines or setting timers to do it can help. Talk to your doctor regarding other ways to tackle depression and counteract the side effects of depression medication.
Pica
More common in children, Pica is a mental disorder that prompts compulsive eating of typically non-food items. This could be clay or dirt, hair, ice, ash, soap, or pebbles – basically, things that have no nutritional value or can be quite dangerous when ingested. Hair or dirt, for example, can be very damaging to the digestive tract. Crunching ice or pebbles can damage teeth and destroy the enamel.
Visits to the dentist for frequent cleanings and fillings or dental work may become the norm if you suffer from this disorder. However, you can only find a solution if you tell the dentist why your teeth are getting damaged. Often, the individual is embarrassed to admit the issue, and the dentist is unable to give a final solution. Mostly this is because this problem needs regular therapy and treatment. Both hinge on the specific type of non-foods eaten, the age of the patient, and other factors.
Untreated, Pica can cause a number of dental health problems apart from chipped or cracked teeth. It can result in oral infections, permanently damaged teeth and gum inflammation.
Keeping your mind healthy is a great way to ensure overall health and oral health. Mental health issues can manifest as oral health problems or create dental issues. Get advice from your dentist in conjunction with your regular doctor or physician to ensure that your mental health and oral health are safeguarded in the right way.
Talking to a Loved One About Oral Health
Telling someone you love that they have bad breath or need dental cleanings and fillings is not easy. But that’s not all when it comes to dental or oral health. Oral health issues can be many, and they can have serious repercussions when not addressed quickly. It is in your loved one’s best interests for you to point out when they need to pay attention to their oral care or a visit to their dentist.
Honesty is the best dental policy
If your beloved family member or a friend seems to be unaware of a visible dental problem, it is best for you to mention it to them. Make sure to tell them that you are speaking out of concern. It is necessary for you to be honest about it and not just avoid the discussion because even a seemingly simple dental problem may indicate a severe underlying issue. Your loved one will surely thank you for your honesty when they can avert the serious problem by taking timely action and going to the dentist.
If it is a cosmetic dentistry issue like crooked teeth, it can be quite hurtful for the person to hear it if you are too blunt about it. Take care to word it carefully so that they understand the cosmetic problem can be resolved easily to give them a better smile and more self-confidence. Do not keep pushing them about it every time you see them. Let them take their time and handle it at their own pace.
Share information
Merely telling someone about a problem may only make them feel uneasy and unhappy about how they look and anxious about the problem. Instead, you can share information about the potential effects of the oral problem and give simple suggestions on what they can do. For example, encourage a family member to go in for cleanings and fillings to take care of discoloured or chipped teeth. Tell them how much difference it can make. Show them examples if you can.
If the dental problem indicates something more serious, share data with them about potential issues that can be averted with timely care from the dentists. Keep a positive stance all through while sharing information.
Share your own positive experience
One very simple, very effective way to tackle this is to talk about your own experience with a dental problem and how you resolved it easily with proper professional care. It could be about how simple cosmetic dentistry rectified your crooked teeth and gave you a perfect smile. It could be about how regular cleanings and fillings ensure that you never have cavities or other painful teeth problems.
Talking about your own experience tells the other that it is perfectly normal and common for people to have oral health issues, and it is also easy to get resolutions.
It is quite common for people to be scared of a visit to the dentist. Talking to your loved ones and sharing your positive experience can help them overcome their reservations. If they have a dental problem that cosmetic dentistry can solve or an oral health issue that needs urgent attention, just be upfront about it. But be sensitive and gentle during your conversation so you encourage them to take action with a positive approach.
How to Have a Positive Experience Throughout Your Dental Procedures
Are you feeling anxious or overwhelmed about an upcoming dental procedure?
This article will discuss Sedation Dentistry and Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy and how they can help create a positive dental experience. We’ll also emphasize the significance of establishing a good relationship with your dentist and staff, which can add to your comfort during dental procedures.
Sedation dentistry
Many dental patients experience anxiety, which can increase their heart rate and blood pressure and make it difficult to remain still during treatment. This can result in longer appointments or additional visits and slow down the healing process due to stress hormones.
Sedation dentistry helps patients relax, and the level of sedation can be customized depending on the procedure’s complexity and the patient’s anxiety level. Sedation also eliminates dental work delays caused by anxiety, promoting better dental health. It is fast-acting, allowing the dentist to perform multiple procedures and reducing the need for multiple appointments.
Sedation dentistry is an excellent option for those with dental anxiety or phobia, a low pain threshold, sensitive teeth, a bad gag reflex, complex dental work, or difficulty responding to numbing agents.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy
Patients may anticipate discomfort or pain during recovery, leading to anxiety and avoidance of the procedure altogether. Or, they may be concerned about taking time off work or disrupting their daily routine during the recovery process. However, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a potential solution that can enhance the healing process, promote tissue regeneration, and reduce the risk of infection.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy is suggested for a range of treatments, including dental implants, bone grafts, and tooth extractions. If you’re considering PRP therapy, it’s essential to consult with your dentist to determine if it’s the right option for your specific case.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy can create a positive experience after a dental procedure by assisting with the healing process in various ways. It enhances the rate of bone formation, increases bone density surrounding implants, promotes the bonding of bone grafts to the patient’s own bone, and facilitates tissue regeneration.
Additionally, Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy can lead to faster incision site healing and reduced infection risk. With these benefits, PRP therapy can be a promising option for patients seeking a smoother recovery and improved dental health.
Having a good relationship with your dentist
Establishing a good relationship with your dentist is vital for a positive dental experience. Communication, honesty, openness, and transparency between the patient and dentist are essential.
Patients can discuss their health concerns, any apprehensions they may have regarding the treatment, and what they hope to achieve with their dental procedure. This way, the dentist can address any concerns before, during, and after the treatment.
Moreover, a good dentist and staff will make sure the patient is comfortable, accommodated, and receives the best care possible.
When patients feel they can communicate freely with their dentist, trust their dentist’s advice, and feel comfortable throughout their dental procedure, they are more likely to have a positive experience. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a good relationship with your dentist to ensure the best possible outcome for your dental health.
The thought of invasive or non-invasive dental treatments can be daunting for some patients. At Ashraf Dentistry, we offer solutions to help you feel at ease.
By prioritizing a positive patient experience, our dentists ensure better outcomes, increased patient satisfaction, and improved oral health.
Top Tips for Tooth Sensitivity
Sensitive teeth make it impossible for you to enjoy your favourite foods and drinks. It can even turn into a literal headache if you ignore it for too long. Thankfully, there are ways to curb sensitivity or reduce it to manageable levels. Here are some things to know.
Oral hygiene techniques, products, and tools
The first step is to understand what causes tooth sensitivity so that you can avoid troublemakers. Harsh brushing and flossing can strip the teeth of enamel and leave your teeth and gums exposed and vulnerable. Even the wrong kind of toothpaste with extra potent ingredients can make your teeth sensitive.
Try desensitizing fluoride toothpaste and brush and floss gently. Your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment or gel to resolve a sensitivity problem quickly. Switch to a toothbrush with softer bristles, or pick up an electric one with sensors to tell you when you are brushing too hard.
If you use mouthwash regularly, check with the dentist for mild, safe ones. Yours may be too strong. The same is true of over-the-counter teeth-whitening products. Some of them have ingredients that can leave your teeth vulnerable. Pick dentist-recommended oral hygiene products that are mild, safe, and effective.
Helpful tips for sensitive teeth
The root of your sensitive teeth problem may lie in the condition of your teeth or gums. Cracked or chipped teeth are the first things to look out for. Worn-down teeth with the enamel rubbed clean off are major culprits too. If you have had fillings done earlier, see if these have come away- that could make the tooth extra sensitive. A visit to the dentist for dental work will make your teeth and gums extra vulnerable for a short while too.
Gum disease is another common culprit that is caused by excessive build-up of tartar and plaque. Left unchecked, it can lead to an infection that goes to the bone. Regular dental cleaning by your dentists will prevent you from having to go in for extensive gum disease treatment later on.
Did you know that coffee, pickles, sour foods, and sodas can ruin your teeth and cause sensitivity? Acidic foods strip the enamel away, and extremely hot or cold foods cause damage too. Make the right food and drink choices to prevent teeth sensitivity.
For those who unknowingly clench or grind their teeth at night, teeth sensitivity is a symptom, along with jaw aches and headaches in the morning.
Treatment solutions for sensitive teeth
Depending on the underlying issues, these treatments offered by Ashraf Dentistry may provide relief from sensitive teeth.
Root canal therapy is a treatment method used when the sensitive tooth is infected and abscessed. The infected pulp of the tooth is removed during root canal therapy. Then the entire inside is cleaned out thoroughly. A filling to seal the space completes the root canal therapy. When cavities are overlooked for too long, this becomes necessary.
If your teeth sensitivity is caused by bruxism or teeth grinding during sleep, this condition is treated with the use of mouth guards at night.
Gum disease treatment sorts out your teeth sensitivity issues when the inflammation of the gum tissue is the root cause. The supporting ligaments may be affected or damaged, leading to the nerve of the tooth becoming exposed. This makes the entire area highly sensitive. The appropriate gum disease treatment addresses this condition.
Periodic visits to your dentist keep your mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy, preventing problems like teeth sensitivity. However, if you are experiencing this already, waste no time. Head to the dentist immediately so you can start treatment before the condition worsens.
Correcting Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a well-known common problem that affects people of all ages. Caused by the buildup of plaque, it leads to the breakdown of the tooth enamel.
In this article, we will discuss tooth decay in detail and the different treatment options for correcting it. These options include crowns and bridges, cleanings and fillings, and root canal therapy.
What are the stages of tooth decay?
Tooth decay progresses through five stages, each with its own set of symptoms and characteristics.
The first stage, known as the initial lesion, is characterized by a loss of minerals from the tooth enamel.
In the second stage, known as the enamel lesion, the tooth enamel begins to soften, and a white spot may appear on the tooth.
The third stage, known as the dentin lesion, involves the tooth enamel’s breakdown and a cavity’s formation.
In the fourth stage, known as the pulpitis lesion, the decay has progressed to the nerve of the tooth, causing pain and sensitivity.
In the fifth and final stage, known as the periapical lesion, the infection has spread to the bone surrounding the tooth, resulting in an abscess.
Treatment options
Tooth decay can lead to serious dental problems if left untreated. It can lead to infection, tooth loss, and gum disease. Fortunately, treatment options are available to correct tooth decay and prevent further damage to teeth.
Root canal therapy is a common treatment option for teeth that have decayed to the pulpitis lesion stage. This procedure removes the infected or inflamed nerve tissue from the tooth. The root canals are then cleaned and shaped. They are then filled with a special material.
Root canal therapy can help save the tooth from extraction and prevent the infection from spreading.
Dental fillings are another treatment option for tooth decay. During this procedure, the decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and the area is filled with a composite resin material. This treatment can help prevent further decay and restore the tooth’s function and appearance.
Crowns and bridges are used when tooth decay has progressed to the point where a dental filling is insufficient. A crown is a cap covering the entire tooth, while a bridge replaces one or more missing teeth.
Crowns and bridges can help restore the tooth’s function and appearance and prevent further decay.
Fluoride treatment is another option for preventing tooth decay. Fluoride is a mineral. It is applied to the tooth to strengthen enamel and prevent decay. It can be applied topically to the teeth in the form of a gel, varnish, or foam.
Tooth extraction may be necessary if the decay has progressed to the periapical lesion stage and the tooth cannot be saved with other treatment options. During this procedure, the tooth is removed from its socket in the jawbone.
When to go to the dentist?
Visiting the dentist regularly for cleanings and fillings is essential to prevent tooth decay. However, there are also certain symptoms that may indicate the need for immediate dental attention. These symptoms include tooth pain, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, bad breath, and visible holes or pits in the teeth.
Untreated tooth decay can lead to severe complications like infection, tooth loss, and gum disease. If you suspect that you have tooth decay, seek medical assistance from your dentist as soon as possible.
There are various treatment options available for tooth decay. It is crucial to identify the stages of tooth decay, understand the treatment options available, and seek medical attention when necessary to prevent further dental problems.
Regular dental check-ups, going for cleanings and fillings when necessary, and good oral hygiene practices can also help prevent tooth decay and maintain good dental health.
Contact Ashraf Dentistry today for more information.
How to: Save Your Tooth
To maintain good oral health, taking care of your teeth is essential. However, accidents happen, and teeth can get knocked out or damaged.
In this article, we will provide insight into saving a tooth that has been subject to damage or knocked out. We will also discuss preventative measures to take to reduce the risk of tooth loss.
Taking Preventative Care Seriously
A variety of factors, including the following, can cause adult tooth loss:
Gum disease is caused by bacteria that attack the gums and bones supporting the teeth, leading to inflammation, infection, and eventual tooth loss.
Bruxism is a term that describes the grinding or clenching of teeth. The condition can cause the teeth to wear down and become loose.
Cavities can cause tooth decay, which, if left untreated, can require root canal therapy or lead to tooth loss.
Physical trauma can also cause tooth loss, such as in the case of a sports injury or a car accident.
Periodontitis is a more advanced condition or form of gum disease that can lead to the loss of both gum tissue and bone.
Diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis can also contribute to tooth loss by affecting overall health and weakening the bone and gum tissue that support the teeth.
Regular dental cleanings and fillings can also help prevent tooth loss. Mouth guards or night guards can be beneficial for those who grind their teeth or participate in contact sports.
It is essential to maintain overall health through proper nutrition and routine oral care at home, such as brushing two times a day and flossing on a regular basis.
Knocked out tooth? Here’s how to save it
If a tooth gets knocked out, act quickly. The first thing to do is to locate the tooth and handle it only by the crown (the top part). Avoid touching the root as much as possible.
If the tooth has fallen and has become dirty, rinse it gently under running water. Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket and hold it in place with clean gauze or a cloth.
If it is not possible to reinsert the tooth, store it in milk or saliva. As Dr. A states, seek emergency dental care immediately for a knocked-out tooth.
Do not store the tooth in water, as this can cause damage to the tooth’s delicate cells.
Treatment options to help save your tooth
If a tooth is damaged but still in place, several gum disease treatment options are available to save it.
Root canal therapy is an option for a tooth with infected or inflamed pulp. A crown, veneer, or bonding can be used to repair a damaged tooth’s appearance and restore function.
Professional dental cleaning and filling are crucial for maintaining good oral health and can help prevent further damage.
A nightguard can also be an effective gum disease treatment option for those who grind their teeth at night. Ashraf Dentistry makes nightguards onsite at their clinic, which can help prevent tooth loss and other issues associated with bruxism.
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices and seeking timely dental care can help prevent adult tooth loss caused by conditions such as gum disease.
While prevention is vital, it is essential to know that gum disease treatment options are available to help save your teeth and restore oral health. From non-surgical and surgical options to routine professional dental cleanings, fillings, and root canal therapy, there are many ways to treat and prevent gum disease.
How Your Dentist Knows the Truth
It is common for individuals to slightly exaggerate the truth when they go for their dental cleanings. Dental professionals are aware of this tendency. In this article, Ashraf Dentistry elaborates on Maria Masters write-up on seven common lies that dentists are used to hearing. (Source: Everyday Health, 7 Lies Your Dentist Knows You’re Telling, by Maria Masters, medically reviewed by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD, April 13, 2016,
Truth your dentist knows
Maria Masters decodes the explanations by Dr. Shawn Adibi, from the University of Texas, on how your dentist can tell you are lying about your oral hygiene.
Are you hurting
According to Shawn Adibi, the evidence of pain can be seen in your eyes when they flinch or clench shut as your body goes into defensive mode. Additionally, dentists can identify pain when they notice your tongue and legs tightening.
Ashraf Dentistry adds, “Dentists can often tell if you are hurting by observing physical cues such as facial expressions, flinching, and body language.”
Do you drink soda
Maria Masters mentions that, as per Shawn Adibi, the protective barrier of enamel on your teeth can be eroded by the acid present in soda, which follows a distinct pattern. He further points out that lemonade and citrus fruits can also cause comparable damage.
Ashraf Dentistry reiterates, “Dentists can often tell if you drink soda by examining your oral hygiene. Teeth show physical signs of erosion or decay that may be associated with consuming sugary or acidic beverages.”
Do you smoke
According to Shawn Adibi, tobacco is known for causing teeth discoloration. The extent and shade of the stains can differ from one person to another. Therefore, if a dentist suspects that someone is a smoker, they may inspect their fingers or sniff their clothing for evidence of nicotine stains.
Ashraf Dentistry says, “Dentists can look at symptoms like teeth discoloration, bad breath, gum diseases, and dry mouth to deduce if you smoke or not.”
Do you floss regularly?
Maria Masters explains Dr. Shawn Adibi’s beliefs that brushing your teeth can eliminate plaque buildup above your gum line, but flossing is essential to eliminate plaque that accumulates below your gums. Neglecting to floss regularly or flossing incorrectly can result in inflamed gums, a condition is known as gingivitis or gum disease.
Ashraf Dentistry reinforces, “Dentists can often tell if flossing is not a part of someone’s oral care routine by looking for signs of plaque and inflammation in the gums.”
Why you are late for the visit
As per Shawn Adibi, dentists may suspect that anxiety about the upcoming exam is the real reason why you are late for the check-up. Dentists are familiar with dental anxiety and the fear some patients have. However, when people are afraid of going to the dentist, they may delay future appointments, leading to more dental issues in the long run.
Ashraf Dentistry adds, “It’s important for patients to address their dental anxiety with their dentist. They should be on time for their dental cleanings to maintain their oral hygiene and avoid missing their appointment or having to reschedule.”
How often your drink alcohol
According to Shawn Adibi, alcohol has a unique odour, and individuals who consume it excessively often experience dry mouths.
Ashraf Dentistry explains, “Alcohol can impede the function of salivary glands, leading to a decrease in saliva production.
Do you grind your teeth?
As per Shawn Adibi, grinding your teeth can result in a worn appearance. Headaches or muscle pain around the jaw can be an indication of a condition called “nocturnal bruxism” or tooth grinding during sleep.
Ashraf Dentistry says, “Although it may not be considered a deliberate falsehood, tooth grinding is detrimental to your oral care.”
Maria Masters explains that a strong connection between a dentist and their patient is crucial for achieving optimal treatment outcomes.
Ashraf Dentistry concludes, “Being truthful with your dentist during your dental cleanings is important. Your dentist needs accurate information to make an informed diagnosis and oral care. Withholding information or lying about your dental habits could lead to serious consequences for your oral health.”
