Can my dentist tell if I'm really flossing?!
Question: They always ask, and I always say yes. It's always a lie, and I always feel guilty... like they just KNOW and I'm going to dentist hell now or something.
Answers: They always ask, and I always say yes. It's always a lie, and I always feel guilty... like they just KNOW and I'm going to dentist hell now or something.
I'm a dentist.
I'm going to be honest with you here:
We really couldn't care less whether or not our patients floss. Why? Because we as doctors are just here to address whatever problems you have as a result of your actions (or inactions), and advise you on ways to avoid future problems. Whether or not you follow our advice is your business, not ours. That's why we don't care.
What we DO care about, however, is when patients lie to us. Not because we are deeply concerned about your oral health the way a parent would be concerned about a child's drug abuse. Rather, we don't like it when you lie to us because it shows us that you think we are 1. stupid, and 2. not worth being told the truth.
Now, to answer your question: most of the time we can tell. People who don't floss usually have, at very least, gingiva that bleeds. Often times, they have cavities on the "inbetween" surfaces of their teeth.
they can totally tell.
It is very evident to a dentist when someone is not flossing.
Just tell them the truth and they will tell you the proper way to do it. It's not like they're going to arrest you for not flossing. They might be able to tell, unless you brush really well.
AHH dentist hell. RUN!!!!!!!!!
scary.... lol
they ask because they can tell.
they can absolutely tell and they know you are lying about it, so it would be better just to tell the them you are not. This is the equivalent to a kid saying he wasn't in the cookie jar, but has chocolate chips and crumbs on his face...sorry!
Yes, dentists know when you're not flossing, especially when a chunk of food comes off from in between your teeth when they exam. They are professionals. It's what they do! Don't lie. It's immature of you. Do yourself a favor, FLOSS. If you don't, you'll be asking for lots of trouble later, not to mention offend with bad breath and dental problems that will cost you lots of money.
Yes!!!They know your lying or think your the worst flosser in the world. lol
i highly doubt it
I've quit asking my patients this question because they always lie. I can tell when they don't floss and when they don't wear their rubber bands and when they don't wear their retainers...I always treat my patients with respect, I don't lie to them, and I wish my patients would treat me the same way. Do your dentist a favor. Don't lie to them. There is no dentist hell....but remember your dentist is a person who is trying to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful mouth, and treat them like you want them to treat you.