Let’s say you’ve been slacking a bit in the oral hygiene department and you get a text reminding you of your dental appointment this afternoon. You frantically run to the bathroom and brush and floss and brush again, and you avoid sugar like the plague until it’s time to go. When you're asked all the routine questions about your oral hygiene habits, you smile and nod. But that burning question looms over you the whole time, and you can't help but wonder - can I really fool my dentist? The Answer: Maybe…
The short answer is that we as dental professionals can't always tell when you're fibbing. Even so, depending on how long you've been neglecting your smile, there are a few telltale signs that your dentist may pick up on. When it comes to brushing and (especially) flossing, your gums can't lie. If you haven't taken the time to clean in between your teeth in a while, your gums will likely bleed when the hygienist gets to this step or when the dentist probes them. They may even become swollen. On top of that, there is also going to be an accumulation of food particles and plaque, which sets and becomes calculus. At this point, your dentist’s tools and expertise are required for removal. ...But Here’s Why You Shouldn't Try It You may think that the effects of poor oral health decisions are limited to bad breath, but that is unfortunately not the case. Gingivitis can creep in and become advanced periodontal disease before you know it, and from there the consequences can be as serious as tooth decay and bone loss. Periodontitis has also been connected to diabetes among other serious medical conditions. And yes - these are extreme cases, but they show how important those two-minute brushing and flossing sessions are in the long run. Skipping out on them will eventually catch up with you, and then more people than just your dentist may take notice! And Really, We’re Just Glad You’re Here! Remember, we may only see you two times out of the year. During those appointments we’ll do everything we can to get your dental health on track. It’s what you do with those other 363 days that matter the most. Prevention is key, and if you are honest about your oral hygiene, we can do our part in providing the best treatment and education to set you up for a lifetime of good oral health.
13 Comments
1/22/2024 07:50:13 pm
Attempting to "fool" your dentist with last-minute oral hygiene won't work; signs of long-term neglect, like tartar buildup and gum health, are easily spotted. Dentists can tell the difference between consistent care and quick fixes. Honesty is key for proper treatment and advice. Remember, they're there to help, not judge.
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3/23/2024 02:40:08 am
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4/27/2024 04:34:48 am
Attempting to "fool" your dentist with last-minute oral hygiene won't work; signs of long-term neglect, like tartar buildup and gum health, are easily spotted. Dentists can tell the difference between consistent care and quick fixes. Honesty is key for proper treatment and advice. Remember, they're there to help, not judge.
Reply
5/21/2024 01:44:01 am
This article brings up such an important topic that many of us may have wondered about but never really talked about - can we fool our dentists about our oral hygiene habits? It's reassuring to learn that while dentists can't always tell if we're fibbing, there are signs they look for, like bleeding gums, that can indicate neglect. But more than just avoiding embarrassment at the dentist's office, the article drives home the point that neglecting oral hygiene can have serious consequences beyond just bad breath. It's a wake-up call to prioritize our dental health every day, not just during those two annual appointments. I appreciate the reminder that honesty with our dentists is key to receiving the best care possible and setting ourselves up for a lifetime of good oral health. Thanks for the real talk and the gentle nudge to take better care of our smiles!
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5/21/2024 04:09:48 am
This article hits home with honesty and understanding, acknowledging the common temptation to hide our oral hygiene slip-ups from our dentists. It's reassuring to know that while our dentists may not always catch us in a fib, they have our best interests at heart. The clear explanation of how neglecting oral health can have serious consequences underscores the importance of honesty and consistent care. The reminder that our dentists are here to help us, not judge us, is comforting and motivates us to take responsibility for our oral health every day, not just during dental appointments. Thank you for shedding light on this important topic in such a relatable and compassionate way!
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6/13/2024 03:36:03 am
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Happy Dentistry's article on whether dentists can tell if we're lying is both intriguing and informative. It's fascinating to learn about the subtle clues professionals observe beyond just dental health. This insight into dental visits adds a layer of awareness and underscores the importance of honesty for effective care. Thanks for shedding light on this interesting aspect of dental visits!
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Great post! It’s interesting to learn how dentists can often tell when patients might not be entirely truthful. I appreciate the emphasis on open communication and honesty in maintaining oral health. This article is a valuable reminder that transparency with our dentists can lead to better care and outcomes. Thanks for sharing these insights!
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Interesting read! It's fascinating how skilled dentists are at detecting inconsistencies in their patients' dental health, even if they’re not always aware of it themselves. Your insights into how dental professionals can often tell if something isn't quite right, despite what a patient might say, highlight the importance of honesty and transparency in maintaining good oral health. Thanks for shedding light on this topic!
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