Things Your Dentist Knows Just By Looking in Your Mouth
We can often have oral health issues that go unnoticed by those around us, not to mention the patient. However, with a trained eye, dentists are able to identify these issues often immediately. Thus there are many things your dentist knows just by looking in your mouth.
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You Flossed before Your Appointment, and that is the Only Time
In many cases, when a patient who rarely flosses has a dental appointment, they think a quick once over with the floss will make up for it. In reality, flossing again for the first time causes your gums to bleed and look roughed up. This is because your gums are sensitive and have a build-up of bacteria from a lack of proper cleaning. This is one thing your dentist knows just by looking in your mouth.
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You are a Nail Bitter
Boredom, stress, nervousness- these are all triggers for many to bite their nails. People may not realize how damaging this is to their teeth! A dentist can often tell when a patient bites their nails because the teeth have chips, cracks, and/or are flattened from constant pressure.
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You Used to Suck Your Thumb
Despite having sucked their thumbs as infants and toddlers, people experience no long term consequences. On the other hand, if this habit was allowed to continue past 7 or 8 years old, it is likely to cause obvious issues. For example, the dentist will notice protruding front teeth, a misaligned bite, and even speech issues. The dentist will likely recommend orthodontic treatment to correct these issues.
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You May Have an Eating Disorder
This is another thing your dentist knows just by looking in your mouth. In fact, the dentist may be the first to notice an individual’s struggle with an eating disorder. Our teeth are gateways to our health. For example, the constant presence of stomach acid in the mouth when a person a person suffers from Bulimia causes a specific pattern of erosion. This happens almost exclusively on the tongue-side of the teeth. Cavities are also increased.
In Conclusion
As you can see, dentists are trained professionals. Their goal is to prevent or decrease oral health issues that we may be unaware of. A visit to your dentist every 6 months will only benefit you!