The Sherlock Holmes of Teeth – Your Dentist
by Dr. Stephen J. Parr D.D.S.
Read The Sherlock Holmes of Teeth – Your Dentist by Dr. Stephen J. Parr D.D.S. to learn more about Grove Smiles® Dentistry and our Dentistry office in Coconut Grove, FL.
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The date is circled on your calendar and you are counting down the days to that often dreaded appointment to see the dentist. At that appointment they will ask the questions you would like to avoid answering about your dental hygiene. Although we may not fear the dentist, we know that our dental hygiene and overall health maintenance may not be quite as good as it should be. Funny enough no matter what our answers could be, the dentist can see them written all over the inside of our mouth.
Here are a few things dentists may notice when they look inside your mouth:
#1: Your Flossing Habits
News Flash! That quick flossing session right before your appointment may make it more apparent to your dentist that you haven’t been flossing on a regular basis. When someone only flosses right before their dental checkup, their gums may still be bleeding and usually look damaged and inflamed. Healthy gums, on the other hand, appear tight and pink.
#2: You May Have A Sinus Infection
Sinus infections are known for causing pain and pressure in the sinus cavity, but sometimes you can even feel it in your upper teeth!
Are you unsure whether you have a toothache or a sinus infection? Luckily, your dentist can tell the difference! Here is also a simple home test to do first. Bend over and touch your toes. If the pressure or pain increases upon bending over, it is most likely not a toothache but call us if you any concerns to error on the side of caution.
#3: You Bite Your Nails
Here’s one of those quirky habits that you can’t hide from the dentist! Nail biters have leveled off, flat front teeth. This is because of the grinding that occurs between the top and bottom teeth.
#4: You Have A Vitamin Deficiency
Dentists look at more than just your teeth—they examine the health of your whole mouth! Vitamin deficiencies in particular can manifest themselves in your mouth in various ways.
Here are some examples:
- Sores
- Changes in the tongue
- Tissue sloughing off
- Delayed healing
- Easily bleeding gums
- Burning tongue syndrome
Dentists are often the first to discover a vitamin deficiency and can help get you get back on track.
#5: You Used To Suck Your Thumb
Telltale signs may remain but these can be fixed through orthodontic treatment. Try our award winning 21st century orthodontic solution – Invisalign®.
More Than Just Cavity Sleuths!
Dentists are not just looking for cavities at your routine checkup. A quick examination of your mouth can reveal a lot more about your oral and overall health than you think. We may even discover some of your quirky habits!
Your family’s overall health is important to us at Grove Smiles Dentistry. Trust us to catch any warning signs that may appear in your mouth. We’re here to detect any problems and help create and maintain you and your families teeth and fantastic smile.
For Your Health,
Dr. Stephen J. Parr D.D.S.
