What do you think your dentist would tell you when you fix an appointment? Well, it's common knowledge that a dentist tells us about ways to maintain oral hygiene, and take proper care of our teeth and gums. However, sometimes, your dentist may not tell you certain things that you need to know. While some of this information is kept confidential on purpose, there are things you can get to know if you care to ask. Before paying a visit to the dentist, it is recommended that you prepare a list of questions that you wish to ask. To help you in this necessary endeavor of yours, we at Buzzle, bring to you a compilation of things that you ought to know, but the docs mostly won't be very keen to share with you. Things Your Dentist Isn't Telling You Breathing through the mouth can cause oral health problems. Most dentists won't tell you this, because it is so common a problem, that they hardly take it seriously. However, the fact is that, it can leave you more susceptible to cavities. Too much fluoride can damage your teeth. It's common practice for dentists to prescribe fluoride supplements for stronger and healthy teeth. However, the truth is that, excess amounts of fluoride can do more harm than good, causing your teeth to become weak and lose enamel. Whitening can cause damage to your teeth. Most dentists recommend this expensive process without caring to make you aware of its side effects. Whitening your teeth regularly can cause irritation to your gums. It's enough to brush and floss only once a day. Almost all dentists encourage to brush and floss twice or thrice a day, to prevent the formation of plaque. However, the truth is that, frequent brushing can be harsh on your teeth, causing damage to the tooth enamel and irritation to the gums. It's only the sugar in carbonated drinks that is harmful. Your dentist will probably tell you that you should avoid carbonated drinks, because of the high sugar content, giving you the impression that drinks with artificial sweeteners cause no harm. However, the truth is that, soda is nothing but an aqueous solution of carbon dioxide, and its acidity can cause corrosion of the enamel, over time. You should not sleep on your stomach. Most people do not take sleeping positions seriously, and sometimes, even health professionals forget to talk to patients about it. Sleeping on your stomach can prevent you from breathing freely, and this can cause respiratory problems in the long run. You should always make it a point to sleep on your back or on your sides. Not every face requires a smile makeover. With the advent of new technology in the field of cosmetic dentistry, your dentist might recommend an expensive smile makeover. However, it pays to know that, sometimes, a little alignment is all one needs to enhance the beauty of your pearly whites. If you're indeed keen to have a beautiful dazzling smile, then talk it out with your dentist to see what works best for you. Chewing gum can reduce bad bacteria. Now this is something your dentist may not care to tell you, but the truth is, chewing gum that contains xylitol, a chemical substance that is used as a sugar substitute, can check the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity. It is essential to brush for more than five minutes. For proper oral health, you should brush for at least 5 to 10 minutes daily. Anything less than that, and you end up compromising your oral hygiene. Most dentists consider it to be too minor an issue to be addressed. Toothaches can be the real reason behind your kid's inability to concentrate. If your kid is restless and is not able to concentrate on studies, there may be a possibility that he/she is suffering from a toothache. Piercing your tongue can be dangerous. What your dentist probably won't care to tell you is that it can lead to severe infection. Misaligned teeth can cause migraines. Misaligned teeth not only look a little less aesthetic, but can also cause excessive stress to the muscles of the face, leading to migraines. Metal fillings are more durable. Most dentists recommend composite fillings as opposed to metal amalgam fillings, the latter being a cheaper option. However, it helps to know that metal fillings are much more resistant to damage. You can ask for your files from the dentist. Your dentist may never tell you this. However, if and when you feel you should go for a second opinion, ask your dentist for your patient file, that contains all your records and reports. Your dentist may allow dental assistants to perform procedures that they are not licensed to perform. Now this is one bit of information that your dentist will never share with you. If you want to be sure that you are in safe hands, research a little about the dentist or clinic in question. Now that you are aware of the dental secrets that you're dentist might never tell you, go ahead and use them to get a healthy and shiny set of pearly whites!