Have you ever wondered if the dentist can really tell if you have been flossing your teeth as often as you say you do?
Well unfortunately they can, which is bad news for those who tell a porky or two about their daily dental routine.
We spoke to Dr. Salman Khan, lead dentist and owner of Baycliff Dental & Implant Surgery in West Derby about what it really is like being in that profession.
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He said: "I'm afraid to say that if someone comes in and tells us they've been flossing but haven't or they haven't been brushing enough or properly, it is evident.
"There's not an excessive amount. Nine times out of ten people are pretty clued up on dental hygiene and do look after themselves but every now and then you get people coming in who haven't been brushing their teeth regularly.
"Thankfully that isn't as bad as it used to be and I think that's because there's that level of awareness.
"People are quite clued on keeping oral hygiene but we get the odd patient mentioning their partner suffers bad breath and what can they do to help that."
Upon visiting the dentist, there is much conflict over whether you can eat beforehand, with some people choosing not to eat at all for fear of embarrassment.
But Dr Khan said eating is perfectly fine, but before visiting a dentist, from a hygiene point of view, it is "always best to brush your teeth before and use mouthwash" as it is "more hygienic that way".
People should be aware that food and drink could stain our teeth, which is evident straight away to a dentist, from anything containing caffeine to highly acidic drinks and high in sugar drinks which are "best to avoid".
However, just how you should brush your teeth is certainly a topic for conversation.
According to Dr Khan, it comes down to whether you have a manual or electric toothbrush - with electric being the preferred option.
But for those with a manual toothbrush, circular motions which cover the gum area, not just the tooth, is important.
Dental anxiety is real, something which many people experience whether getting so worked up you become overwhelmed, or neglect attending appointments altogether and their oral hygiene.
Dr Khan, who is Dental Phobia Certified, said he has seen a lot in his 21 years on the job, including one woman who went through six different practices over fear of the dentist.
He told the ECHO he has also seen people hyperventilating but beginning that trust process is "life-changing".
He said: "Patients get extraordinarily nervous coming to the practice, we've seen people hyperventilating because they don't want to be in that surgical environment and helping with that education and confidence goes a long way.
"That transformation, my job is giving that confidence to someone who is scared, it's a life-changing experience.
"I've seen loads over the last 20 years but one thing stuck in my mind was a lovely lady who had been to six different dentists and after coming here, her fear had been transformed. That transformation is second to none."
Dr Khan, who was inspired to become a dentist after his own experience with braces, said the irrational fear stems from a historical culture and people associating a surgery with horror and pain.
If people also have negative experiences as a child, that can carry on through into their adult life.
In terms of helping people with their phobia, Dr Khan said offering a relaxed environment can go a long way.
He said: "We try to offer gold standard facilities. Our whole surgery has been revamped over the last 12 months, we want to reflect that calming feeling from the outset.
"As soon as you come in meeting a very pleasant receptionist to having the choice of a consultation outside of the clinical environment.
"I'd say to people that first appointment is always going to be a chat, there will be no active treatment and we can go through any concerns and we can rebook for treatment when they've had time to reflect.
"We do go down the sedation route too if patients have that anxiety which can relax them that little bit more."
The dental industry had to adapt during the pandemic, with staff required to wear more PPE and different ways to meet with patients.
Dr Khan said: "I'm part of the Liverpool Dental Committee and we've been in close contact with authorities and made sure everything was in order.
"Now, because of our refurbishment, all our equipment is covid secure so if anything were to happen again we are prepared. We have shower facilities and an aerosol generated procedure. It has been difficult with the additional PPE but we're a dedicated team.
"If anyone is worried but wants to get that procedure they desire, just come and give us a call.
"If people lack that confidence and I am able to help, that feeling is amazing. Being able to put a smile on people's face is the most important thing for me."
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