25 February 2023 , 10:00
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Dentist appointments can be awkward and uncomfortable and for some they can be a source of anxiety, so you might find your making small talk with your dentist to pass the time.
However, if you're doing so there are a few phrases you might want to avoid saying.
This is according to Dr Sahil Patel, a Cosmetic Dentist and the Founder of Marylebone Smile Clinic, who claims there are some common comments that he never wants to hear from patients.
And this is especially true of new patients during their very first appointments.
The expert claims the worst offender is "I don't like dentists".
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Speaking to The Mirror, he explained: "This is possibly the most common first interaction with a new client, it does not start you off on the best foot since you have just met your new dentist.
There are certain comments to avoid saying to your dentist (stock photo) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)"It can be hard to believe dentists are human just like everyone else, and aside from us already being aware that people dislike going to the dentist, I would encourage people to re-consider why they have gone to the dentist in the first place."
Another thing to avoid is telling your dentist you have a "high pain threshold" or that you have "shooting pains".
"This is a classical concern health care professionals receive when consulting with patients.
"Both assertions refer to pain, which is relative and very personalised and can be modified by the state of mind, lived experiences. memories and counter sense effects," explains Dr Patel.
He continues: "High pain thresholds are difficult to determine for yourself as you can only experience your perception of pain, with little to compare to for someone else or even the general population.
"Shooting pains are an especially rare type of pain and those who use this term, either misunderstand the term or are struggling to articulate it.
"In both cases, medical and dental professionals often disregard these comments as they seldom help with diagnosis and treatment planning."
The dentist would also prefer if patients didn't ask about his education.
"The root of the question is valid, but the answer may not help you get closer to finding the right cosmetic dentist for you," Dr Patel shares.
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"A better indicator of clinical competence are before and after images of cases that were completed recently and accreditation with two academies in the UK - The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry."
He added that it's also not wise to discuss a patient's age, adding: "Did you know that within the profession, clinical accuracy and visual acuity is known to 'peak' as a dentist between ages 26 to 50.
"Before 26, it is unlikely most dentists will have enough clinical experience to be working at the highest level and beyond 50, we can observe that our hands become weaker, less accurate and eyes not as sharp.
"The notion that an older clinician will be better is partly incorrect, as there are the above disadvantages of being an older dentist, but also technologies improve with time and the dinosaur dentists of the past are naturally replaced with more advanced and knowledgeable younger ones."