Thou Shalt Not Lie: What Your Dentist Can Detect When Looking at Your Smile

You’ve got a dentist appointment next week, but you haven’t devoted the time and effort to taking care of your smile. For the next several days, you floss and brush diligently thinking you can pull one over on your dentist in Waterbury. The truth is once they take a look at your smile, they’ll know instantly how well you’ve been maintaining your teeth and gums. Read on to discover what your dentist can tell about your oral health so you don’t get caught in a lie. 

1.      You Suffer from Bruxism

Knowing whether or not you grind your teeth at night may not always be easy to determine. While you can develop headaches and soreness throughout your jaw, the real factor is how your teeth appear to be holding up. When looking at your smile, your dentist will be able to tell if your pearly whites look worn down, and if you answer “yes” when asked about muscle or jaw pain, it will be evident that you suffer from bruxism (i.e., teeth grinding). A common problem among children, teens, and adults, you and your dentist can discuss receiving a nightguard to better protect your teeth while asleep.

2.      You Don’t Floss Daily

Think flossing every day the week before your appointment will be enough to convince your dentist that you’re doing it “regularly?” Guess again. If your gums appear inflamed or red, you’re likely experiencing the earliest stage of gum disease known as gingivitis. Since these soft tissues can be tender when starting to floss, your dentist will be able to quickly tell if your attempt is a new development. As a result, they will recommend flossing at least once a day to try and reverse the symptoms of gingivitis. Should it worsen, you will likely require periodontal therapy to prevent future problems.

3.      You Haven’t Quit Smoking

Are your teeth yellow? Do they appear to have stains or discoloration? If so, your dentist knows you haven’t quit smoking or using tobacco products. Not to mention, if you are continuing to practice this bad habit, your clothes will likely smell, and your fingers will possess nicotine stains. To avoid the potential risk for cancer (any type), gum disease, tooth decay, or bone and tooth loss, you should quit as soon as possible. You can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website to find various cessation resources that will help you kick the habit.

4.      You’re in Pain

If your eyes flinch or your body tenses up when undergoing a dental procedure, your dentist can tell. You may think you’re being subtle, but these are cues that professionals observe all the time and work to avoid if at all possible. When asked if you are feeling okay or hurting in any way, don’t attempt to lie. Your dentist doesn’t want you uncomfortable, so tell the truth if you need something to alleviate the pain.

If you want to avoid lying to your dentist, the best thing you can do is take care of your oral health. But even if you aren’t doing everything you can to ensure healthy teeth and gums, be honest with your dental professional. This will ensure you get the treatment you need to avoid more serious problems in the future.

About the Authors
Dr. Luciano Marini earned his dental degree at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Ann Marie Mancini received her doctoral degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. At Waterbury Smiles, Dr. Marini and Dr. Mancini work together to give patients a better experience the moment they arrive. Offering exceptional preventive services, they can easily spot early signs of decay, gum disease, and other harmful dental problems as well as pinpoint areas that need additional work. If it’s been a while since your last dentist’s appointment, visit our website or call (203) 575-9097.