Stereotypical Responses to Dental Problems

[marlina10]

Does anyone else ever feel like people automatically think that if you have dental problems it's because you don't take care of your teeth? It frustrates me when I try to explain to people why I need braces; it's due to my bite being messed up from bruxism and they need to open my bite so they can put in crowns to repair the teeth I've grinded away. But people don't realize it's a medical condition that can be beyond your control, and instead they say things like "you should brush your teeth more often" or "that's why it's important to take care of your teeth". Aaargh!

[badbite]

I have always strived to take very good care of my teeth, with no avail. My teeth are horrible. I have cavities in almost every tooth. Recently I was told that it is impossible to get all the plaque out of crowded, crooked teeth. My teeth are also very porous. I have also recenlty heard that porous teeth are more prone to cavities.

Every one assumes bad oral hygiene, but that is not it! So I know how you feel (but there is not much you can do to change people's minds).

[badbite]

I went for my OS consult yesterday. The OS told me he can't beleive I even have my lower teeth because my bite is so bad (I am missing one). He told me that I am a "diamond in the rough." That was the nicest thing any dentist (or OS) has ever said to me. He actually validated that I try to take good care of my teeth.

By the way, I have fillings in every tooth but three (and two crowns).

[SnowSara]

I went my whole life with no cavities (OK, save one in a baby tooth that I lost, ha), and then in my 20's all of a sudden I was having 2, 3 filled at a time. I know I take care of my teeth and don't even like sugary drinks, etc, but its just one of those things. Knock on wood, I've gone a year without a cavity... the funny thing is, the hygienist always compliments me on my healthy gums and nearly plaque free teeth, so go figure.

[nansuresh15]

There are stereotypes for dental problems [url=http://www.indiacom.com/delhi/THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT TO ADMINISTRATOR THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT TO ADMINISTRATOR THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT TO ADMINISTRATOR THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT TO ADMINISTRATOR THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT TO ADMINISTRATOR-de ... 89217.html]Dental problems[/url] like if we might have to face agony if we visit the dentist. But today's era has changed and dental problems have become less severe

[djspeece]

I usually don't bother explaining anything since it is none of their business. A lot of people are morons.

[phasesofbeauty]

I usually don't bother explaining anything since it is none of their business. A lot of people are morons.

Exactly. I hate to say it but most people are. I am very careful who I discuss things with. And I am not just talking dental things....a lot of things people just don't understand and just are brainwashed idiots on a lot of subjects unfortunately.

[gaborousseau]

I never got the "not taking care of your teeth properly" comments, but ever since I got braces (and now a SARPE surgery with a BSSO down the line) and explained why I made the decision to the people who asked I mostly get "But you're already so pretty!"... I mean seriously? I'd rather still have my own teeth in 10 years thank you very much! *rolls eyes*

[metalliKa]

Some people are just the know it all type...they'll offer their unwanted opinion(s). I never take too keen to people like that and usually don't bother explaining myself. I know it kills them if I don't feed into their ego.

[jaime]

My cousin has straight teeth and has never had a cavity. In fact, she told me once that her dentist told her one tooth looked like it might get a cavity and she was so upset that she cried. I've had so many cavities, I could never think to count them all. I also had enough problems that warranted SARPE, braces, and double jaw surgery with sliding genioplasty. My cousin once said something like, "I've never had a problem but I floss everyday," or something that implied my problems are of my own doing. Right, because not flossing caused my teeth to be crowded and my jaws to be too far back in my skull... People are so ignorant.