4 Fibs Your Dentist Knows You’re Telling During Your Checkups & Cleanings

Life can get hectic, which forces many people to push some important practices, like your at-home oral hygiene routine, to the backburner. When you go to your dentist in Queen Creek for a checkup and cleaning, you may tell a fib when they ask you whether you’ve been a diligent flosser or brusher and say “Yes!”, even though you haven’t been. You may not think they notice, but the truth is, your smile doesn’t lie! Read on to learn about four common lies that your dentist is used to hearing and can see right through.

“I rarely, if ever, drink soda.”

Carbonated beverages like soda are notoriously bad for your teeth, which makes sense why many patients feel the need to stretch the truth when their dentist asks them if they regularly consume them. Your dentist will be able to see right through your lie, because the carbonation and acid in these beverages causes noticeable enamel erosion. Instead, try skipping out on the soda and carbonated beverages and switching over to sugar-free flavored water drops.

“I’m a very diligent flosser.”

According to a survey taken by US News, only about 30 percent of the population flosses their teeth every day. Realistically, everybody is guilty of skipping a day or two, but when you constantly put off this important oral hygiene task, your dentist is going to be able to tell during your cleaning because your gums will bleed. If you don’t floss because it’s hard or uncomfortable, try using floss picks or a water flosser instead. These are easier to maneuver around your teeth.

“I don’t smoke.”

Being addicted to tobacco may not be your proudest thing to have to admit to your dentist, causing you to lie or stretch the truth if they ask you whether you smoke. Tobacco is notorious for staining your teeth and causing dry mouth, which increases your risk of gum disease and cavities. Instead, tell them the truth, and they can point you towards helpful resources and tips to quit and improve your overall wellbeing!

“I don’t grind my teeth when I’m anxious or sleeping.”

If you have anxiety, a bite problem, or other issues that cause you to grind and clench your teeth while you sleep, your dentist will be able to tell when they look in your mouth, making it pointless to lie about it. People with bruxism often have worn and ground-down molars due to their condition. With help from your dentist, you can keep the damage to your teeth from becoming worse by investing in a customized nightguard.

Your dentist isn’t there to judge you during your routine visits; they’re there to help you improve your oral health and point out habits that may be damaging your teeth that you might not have known about. That way, you can make lifestyle changes that not only preserve your smile, but also improve your overall wellbeing.

About the Author

Dr. Sierra Ferreira is passionate about improving her patients’ oral health and providing them with the tools and techniques necessary to preserve their beautiful smiles. She enjoys getting to know her patients and providing attentive and thorough preventive care that leaves them feeling refreshed and healthy. If it has been longer than six months since you last saw a dentist, visit Queen Creek Complete Dental’s website or call 480-722-1200.