Telling the Truth Provides Your Dentist With Important Information. The most important reason to tell your dentist the truth is that it will help them make an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. It lets your dentist know your starting point so they can adjust their suggestions.
The serious risks of lying to the dentist
For example, a patient not being truthful about the number of times that they brush or the brushing techniques they use, means a dentist will not be able to correct any brushing mistakes that will lead to cavities and tooth decay.
Similarly to flossing, your dental team will also be able to tell if you don't brush your teeth often enough or even if you brush too hard. Those who don't brush the recommended two times a day will often have larger areas of tartar buildup and puffy, red gums.
Dentists can detect clues about your overall health. Your mouth problems can be related to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, certain types of cancers, among others. They may be the first to notice the symptoms and will refer you to a primary care doctor for follow-up.
There are many conditions we can identify during a visual examination of your oral cavity, even if you don't know you suffer from them. This includes mental health problems such as depression. Recent studies suggest that depression conclude depression is closely related to poor oral health.
During routine dental examinations and cleanings, dentists can detect oral symptoms of stress, including orofacial pain, bruxism, temporomandibular disorders (TMJ), mouth sores and gum disease. If you're feeling tense or anxious, you should keep a watchful eye for signs of the following stress-related disorders.
Code 0 – Healthy gums, no bleeding when probed, no calculus or gingival pockets under 3.5mm. Code 1 – Slight bleeding when probed, no calculus or gingival pockets under 3.5mm. Code 2 – Slight bleeding when probed, Calculus or Plaque present and gingival pockets under 3.5mm.
While it's never too late to start taking care of yourself, those over the age of 30 must pay special attention to maintaining healthy habits. Oral health and hygiene is no exception. Teeth not only serve an important function in daily life; they reflect your overall health.
Not brushing your teeth for ten years will put you at serious risk for health complications. Our oral health is crucial to fighting off certain types of bacteria and keeping us healthy. When the health of our teeth and gums suffer, things like pneumonia can be more common.
This point is important, especially for more complex and lengthy treatments and if you undergo any type of dental surgery. Take out your contact lenses. If your eyes are closed for an extended period, the risk of infection increases rapidly. But even with less intensive treatments, irritations can occur.
Brush and floss before your visit. There is no secret formula or best way to clean your teeth before the dentist. Your dentist will be able to identify any clear or underlying problems during your checkup. If you plan on eating a meal before you go for your checkup, be sure to brush and floss afterwards.
While most of the professionals who care for our teeth are reputable and honest, dentistry is less science-based and regulated than other fields. Some patients pay the price.
Sixty-one percent of Americans say that dentists' honesty and ethical standards are high. Six out of 10 Americans trust their dentist. No wonder treatment acceptance is low in many practices.
But it is a myth that dental cleaning will damage teeth. In fact, the harm caused by not going to the dentist for regular cleanings far outweighs the dangers of the procedure itself.
Upselling is a great strategy for boosting your bottom line, but it is one that most dentists probably avoid. After all, dentistry is a medical field. Selling patients treatments that they do not need may seem unethical, but there are exceptions.
5 mm - 7 mm with bleeding: Besides almost certain gum disease, bone loss and tissue damage are also possible. 7 mm+ with bleeding: Pockets deeper than 7 mm means advanced gum disease is certain. Surgical intervention may be appropriate to resolve the disease.
4 indicates gum disease, if you are diagnosed with gum disease we can work with you to create a thorough plan on how to best treat this. On the other side we can move to health.
Higher numbers indicate that the tissue is inflamed and some dental treatment may be necessary." Typically, 1 – 3 mm is healthy, 4 is a warning and anything over 5 is a call to action to prevent disease. When a 5 or 6 mm pocket is recorded, a deep cleaning may be recommended.
Causes of dental anxiety and phobia
other traumatic experiences, including abuse. generalised anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. the view that the mouth is a personal area and accessing the mouth is an invasion of personal space. fear of loss of control.
Aside from pointing out the evident cavity or stained teeth, dentists can tell if you are sick, highly stressed, and even pregnant! The list is extensive because “good dental health is a reflection of good health overall.” Here are a handful of things that can be discovered or learned from your visits to the dentist.