5 Things Your Dentist Can Tell About You (That Might Surprise You)

What can dentists tell from your mouth? The answers might surprise you.

Here at Illume, our 14-point Healthy Mouth Review has been at the core of our patient care for as long as most of us can remember. What many patients do not realise is that it goes far beyond simply checking their teeth.

There are many things your dentist can tell by looking at your teeth, gums and mouth, and some of them may surprise you. Here are five things you might not have realised your dentist can spot.

What Can a Dentist Tell by Looking at Your Mouth?

1. If You’re a Nail Biter

Nibbling on your nails puts a lot of pressure on your teeth, especially the front ones. Over time, this can cause microscopic damage that may not be visible to the naked eye but can weaken the tooth and chip the enamel.

Another point to note is the prolonged pressure of your fingers or thumbs pressing against your teeth. This can eventually contribute to misalignment. It is most common in children or teens whose mouths are still developing, although adults can also be affected.

2. If You Grind or Clench Your Teeth (Bruxism)

Flattened, worn or chipped teeth are a clear giveaway. Your dentist might also notice tension in your jaw muscles during your soft tissue check.

If you are concerned about clenching or grinding, ask your dentist what they would recommend. Splint therapy, such as a soft bite raiser or a more advanced Michigan appliance, can be very helpful.

3. Your Diet Habits

Your dentist can absolutely tell if you have been honest about your sugar intake or fizzy drink habit. Don’t worry, they will not call you out on it.

Acid erosion or staining across your teeth can indicate high consumption of sugary foods, fizzy drinks, wine or acidic fruits. Specific staining patterns can even indicate coffee or tea habits. We would never expect you to give up all the good stuff, but your dentist can offer helpful advice so you can enjoy your treats while causing the least damage to your teeth.

4. If You’re Using Certain Medications

Some medications, such as antihistamines, can reduce saliva flow and cause your mouth to look and feel dry. In dentistry, this is called xerostomia, and it can happen for a variety of reasons. Many people do not realise that help is available for this uncomfortable issue.

Your dentist will be happy to talk to you about products that could help. They may even be able to give you a sample or two.

5. Poor Oral Hygiene or Infrequent Brushing

This one is more obvious. Dentists can tell if your oral hygiene has slipped, but they can also judge how long you may have been struggling, based on plaque buildup, tartar and gum condition.

Supporting Your Oral Health

The most important thing to remember is that our dentists are not here to judge you. If they can tell you have been finding your oral hygiene routine difficult, they are more than happy to offer tips, tricks and guidance to help you get back on track.

Attending your Healthy Mouth Review is the first step, so you are already well on your way to a healthier mouth.

So, here’s to our dental detectives who do far more for our oral health and overall wellbeing than many of us realise.

If you would like to book your next appointment or learn more about our 14-point Healthy Mouth Review, get in touch with the team today.