Secrets Dentists Wished You Knew

The dental industry seems like it is filled with secrets, but really, some of the "secrets" that insiders share are tips that most dentists really wish their patients knew, because it would make their jobs so much easier and more pleasant. So if your dentist could tell you what was on his mind, this might be what he will say.

Bleeding Gums Are a Big Deal

Think about it this way: if your hands bled whenever you washed them, would you assume something was wrong? Chances are you would, yet many people assume there is no big deal when they have gums that bleed when they brush. This is a big deal, and it almost always means that you have gum disease, or at least the beginnings of it. If your gums bleed when you brush, go to the dentist as soon as possible.

He Won't Know I Smoke

Chewing a breath mint, gargling mouth wash, brushing your teeth, or chewing gum right before your appointment will not cover up the smell of smoke in your breath. Dentists always know when they are treating smokers. While they may appreciate the gesture that comes from these attempts to cover the smell, they will still be able to tell. The smell seeps into your tissue and you will not be able to hide it.

Yes, We Can Smell Your Bad Breath

Bad breath is something that dentists deal with on a regular basis. People who do not floss and skip their dental cleanings are going to have bad breath, and a dentist is going to smell it. If you are current on all of your cleanings and are regularly brushing and flossing, you may want to discuss your breath problems with your dentist. There could be an underlying health problem causing it. If you do have bad breath, don't stress about it too much. Your dentist is used to this problem and is not going to say anything to you about it unless you bring it up, but try to avoid eating garlic bread right before your visit.

Mouthwash May Not Be the Answer

Many mouthwash products contain alcohol. This dries your mouth, which can increase bad breath. So, you will have a temporary affect, but then it will be even worse when the fresh feeling wears off. If you use it right before your appointment, it might help, but not if you have to wait a while before you get in.

If Nothing Hurts, You Still Need to Visit

Many serious health concerns, like high cholesterol and high blood pressure for instance, do not "hurt," but they still need to be dealt with for you to live a long and healthy life. It is the same with your mouth. Dentists will often hear that patients do not want to come in because they do not have any pain in their mouths. Sadly, waiting until there is pain is usually waiting too long. You need to see the dentist regularly to keep your mouth healthy for the long term.