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Your teeth are with you every moment of the day. They are there for every bite of food, every sip of drink, and every word spoken. Though most people may not realize it, your teeth are a record of your lifestyle.
Dentists are trained to recognize flaws and issues with your teeth, and as a consequence, they are able to tell certain things about your lifestyle at a glance. Fear not, though; the vast majority of dental issues can be solved with lifestyle adjustments, good oral hygiene that prevents problems before they start, and expert dental treatment if necessary. Here are three things your dentist knows about you from the moment you open your mouth.
Your Brushing and Flossing Routine
Your dentist always asks if you’ve done proper tooth maintenance – brushing, flossing, etc. – between visits. But this is largely a formality; the moment you open your mouth, your dentist can see if you’ve been keeping up your oral hygiene. Poor brushing habits and lack of flossing can lead to puffy, sensitive gums that bleed at the slightest touch. Sensitive gums are more prone to infection.
Also, a lack of flossing is easily visible in bits of food and other debris visible between your teeth, and more subtly, in cavities that develop in these gaps. Keeping the space between your teeth clean is essential to preventing cavities that attack them from the sides, in places not easily visible. For this and many other reasons, don’t shirk daily brushing and flossing.
Your Bad Habits
If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw too much, this results in a pattern of wear that is easily visible on your molars. Your dentist will be able to see how some portions of enamel have eroded away. In some cases, so much enamel is gone that the dentin underneath is exposed.
Teeth grinding can be due to stress, in which case addressing the causes of your stress may help prevent further damage to your teeth. It can also be done unconsciously while you sleep, which is a condition called bruxism. Your dentist may even recommend dental crowns and the wearing of a nightguard, based on information they can tell at a glance, just by checking the pattern of wear on your teeth.
Other bad habits like nail-biting and crunching ice cubes also result in damage to your teeth. In the case of ice cubes, your teeth may even start to crack from the pressure of chewing on such a hard surface. Chewing gum does not necessarily have harmful effects on teeth. The gum itself is fine; it’s the amount of sugar in the gum that matters. Sugary foods and drinks lead to erosion of enamel and dental problems down the road.
Your Addictions
Finally, your dentist can not only tell if you’ve had too much sugar, but can also see the marks of other unhealthy substances. Tobacco is the most obvious; people who smoke or chew tobacco develop yellow teeth and receding gums that are susceptible to infection. Coffee and other acidic substances erode the enamel on your teeth. Finally, alcohol can dry your mouth, tint your smile based on whatever pigments are in your drink of choice, and lead to a higher chance of permanent tooth loss.
Though the occasional drink of coffee or alcohol is fine, repeated use over long periods of time has a detrimental effect on your oral health. It’s one more reason to enjoy these substances in moderation.
What Your Dentist Can Do
Once your dentist takes a peek at your teeth, they can tell if you’re a coffee drinker, if you grind your teeth, and whether you floss. But remember: dentists are doctors. They’re here to help. Be honest with your dentist about your dental hygiene habits and anything else that might affect the condition of your teeth.
In almost every case, there are solutions to your dental issues. Teeth that have been discolored by tobacco or wine can undergo teeth whitening. Enamel that has been worn away by grinding can be replaced with a filling. Sensitive gums can be made tougher through regular flossing.
All of these solutions will be made more effective through your cooperation. Moderating your alcohol consumption can prevent further discoloration. Wearing a nightguard will protect your teeth from grinding. And of course, only you can make the commitment to brushing and flossing every day. Your dentist may be able to tell a lot about you with a single glance at your teeth, but only you have the power to change your habits and lifestyle.
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